FA charge Jack Simpson over alleged racist abuse of ex-Cardiff City team-mate
Cardiff terminated Jack Simpson’s contract at the end of August, issuing a curt, 16-word statement on their website
The Football Association have charged former Cardiff City defender Jack Simpson with an alleged “aggravated breach” of their rules, relating to claims the player referenced a team-mate’s race in an “abusive or insulting” manner during the pre-season tour of Portugal.
Cardiff announced that Simpson’s contract had been terminated the day before the end of the summer transfer window with a brief, 16-word statement on their website. Little was said about the player’s departure, however on Tuesday, the FA released a statement to say the former Rangers and Bournemouth centre-back, 26, had been charged with an alleged breach of FA Rule E3.
“Jack Simpson, a former Cardiff City footballer, has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 for misconduct that took place on their pre-season tour to Portugal in July 2023,” The FA wrote in a statement.
“It’s alleged that the defender’s language towards a team-mate was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper contrary to Rule E3.1. It’s further alleged that this constitutes an “aggravated breach”, which is defined in FA Rule 3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to race and/or colour. Jack Simpson has until Tuesday 10 October 2023 to provide a response.”
The Rule E3 states that should the comments include a reference to a person’s ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, faith, gender, sexual orientation or disability, these are considered ‘aggravating factors’ and FA Rule E3(2) may apply. This allows for a Regulatory Commission to consider the imposition of a doubled sanction.
Cardiff, who state they dealt with the situation at the time before terminating the player’s contract, have been contacted but say they will not be making any further comment. Simpson played 23 games for Cardiff but struggled for the most part.
