Leicester City sacked three players on Wednesday who were caught on film taking part in a “racist orgy” on a recent club trip to Thailand. James Pearson, 22, son of manager Nigel Pearson, along with Tom Hopper, 21, and Adam Smith, 22, were subject to an internal investigation by the club, which ended with the termination of the players’ contracts.
The sex-tape was first reported by the Sunday Mirror, the film featuring the sportsmen directing racist abuse at three local prostitutes. Between giggles, one player can be heard saying, “Come on... you slit-eye.” Another woman is told she is “f***ing minging… an absolute one out of 10.”
A club statement released on Wednesday said:
Leicester City Football Club has notified Tom Hopper, Adam Smith and James Pearson that their contracts with the club have been terminated.
The decision follows the conclusion of an internal investigation and disciplinary proceedings, as a consequence of events that took place during the Club’s end-of-season goodwill tour of Thailand.
Leicester City Football Club is acutely aware of its position, and that of its players, as a representative of the city of Leicester, the Premier League, the Football Association and the Club’s supporters. It is committed to promoting a positive message of community and family values and equality, and to upholding the standards expected of a Club with its history, tradition and aspirations.
The Club will make no further comment on the investigation, its finding or outcomes.