Former England U21 star Jack Simpson banned for six games and fined after admitting to racially abusing team-mate

5 months ago 37

FORMER England youth international Jack Simpson has been banned and fined after admitting he racially abused a team-mate.

The ex-Bournemouth and Rangers defender, 26, joined Cardiff City in 2022.

Jack Simpson admitted racially abusing a team-mate during pre-season with Cardiff[/caption]

And he was accused of using racist language towards a fellow Bluebirds star during a pre-season tour to Portugal in July 2023.

The incident took place at breakfast at the team’s hotel the morning after a squad night out following a friendly match with FC Porto.

Now an FA Regulatory Commission has concluded Simpson was guilty of an “aggravated breach” of rule E3.

Simpson – who is a free agent after having his Cardiff terminated by mutual consent in August 2023 – was slapped with a six-match suspension.

He will serve the ban when he finds a new club.

Simpson must also pay up to £8,000 in fines and have “face-to-face education”.

An FA statement said: “It was alleged the defender used language towards a team-mate that was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper contrary to FA Rule E3.1.

“It was further alleged that this language constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to race and/or colour.

“Jack Simpson admitted the charge against him, and his sanctions were imposed following a hearing.”

Cardiff have not commented.

Simpson came through the youth academy at Bournemouth and racked up 35 first-team appearances for his boyhood club, including one goal and 11 Premier League games.

He left in February 2021 for Ibrox, where he won the Scottish Premiership under Steven Gerrard, before his switch to Cardiff 18 months later.

Simpson earned his solitary England Under-21 cap in November 2018 in a 5-1 win against Denmark.