Leicester City Release Players Involved in Thailand Sex Party Racism Scandal

Leicester City have sacked Tom Hopper, Adam Smith and James Pearson after an internal investigation. Their dismissals are in relation to last month's emergence of videos that appeared to show the trio engaging in sexual activity with women while verbally abusing them during a tour of Thailand.

The Foxes confirmed the players’ dismissal, one of whom is the son of club manager Nigel Pearson, in a statement on their official website. Here is a section of the piece:

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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.

"

Simon Wright of the Daily Mirror initially reported on the video, which appears to show the trio goading women as they engaged in sex acts. As noted by the piece, the men verbally abuse the women throughout the clip; one of the women is called a "slit eye" by one of the now-former Foxes academy players.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

As noted by former Football Association executive Adrian Bevington, for Pearson, who earned plaudits for keeping the Foxes in the Premier League last season, it must have been a difficult day:

In a statement issued by the club in the aftermath of the incident, the players, part of a tour to promote the club’s association with Thailand, apologised for their conduct.

But the Foxes hierarchy have decided their actions warrant further punishment, and the disgraced trio will be left to pursue their respective careers away from the King Power Stadium.