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James Pearson, son of manager Nigel. EMPICS Sport
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Leicester axe 3 players including manager's son over racist sex tape

The young footballers have had their contracts terminated after the incident, which took place during a tour to Thailand.

LEICESTER CITY HAVE sacked Tom Hopper, Adam Smith and James Pearson following their alleged involvement in an orgy in which a woman appeared to be racially abused.

The incident – the subject of a video leaked to the British press in May – occurred during the club’s end-of-season tour to Thailand. In footage obtained by The Sunday Mirror, Pearson (son of club manager Nigel), Hopper and Smith appeared to be shown engaging in explicit acts.

During the video, a racist comment could be heard being made towards one of the women involved. Leicester later confirmed that the trio had been sent home from the tour and all three players issued an apology.

However, the club stated that an internal investigation would take place and, following their review, the players have been released by the club.

A statement on the Foxes’ official website read: “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 trio were part of Leicester’s travelling party for the trip to Bangkok that was organised by the club’s Thai billionaire owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, in a bid to help improve the Foxes’ standing in the Far East.

The incident carried added embarrassment for Nigel Pearson, who is a patron for anti-racism group Show Racism the Red Card.

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