Turbulent ending
England soccer coach Hoddle fired
Posted: Tuesday February 02, 1999 11:26 PM
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Hoddle was fired Tuesday as a result of a reported remark about the disabled AP |
LONDON (AP) -- Glenn Hoddle was fired as England soccer coach on Tuesday after attracting a storm of protest over reported remarks that the disabled were "paying for the sins of an earlier life".
The Football Association bowed to public condemnation of Hoddle's reported comments about reincarnation and terminated his contract. Hoddle said it was terminated by mutual consent.
The England coach's three-year reign came to an end amid amazing scenes at news conference. A fan shouting "We want Hoddle back" was wrestled to the floor and disrupted a statement made by FA acting chief executive David Davies.
As the fan was removed from the room by security staff, Davies stopped the news conference and then returned to read the statement again. He declined to take any questions.
The announcement that he had been fired came after Hoddle had met Football Association officials to try and save his job. His 13-year-old daughter, Zara, also sent a letter to the BBC with a plea to the FA not to fire her father.
"I think this situation is the most pathetic reason for someone to maybe lose their job and to have so much hassle over," she wrote.
"If you would take time to listen to what his explanation is then maybe you would understand it a bit more."
Hoddle, who is threatening to sue the Times, has denied that he made the remarks complained of and maintained his remarks had been "misconstrued".
But even Prime Minister Blair remarked that he was "very wrong" to have said the reported remarks and Sports Minister Tony Banks said Hoddle's position was "untenable".
Faced by that, the FA came to its conclusion on Tuesday and Hoddle became the first England coach to be fired since Alf Ramsey in 1974.
"It is with regret the FA and Glenn Hoddle have today agreed to terminate Glenn's contract," Davies said. "After more than 24 hours of meetings and discussions it became apparent to all those concerned that this was the right decision for English football.
"The position has become increasingly untenable for both the FA and for Glenn. He accepts that he made a serious error of judgment and of course he has apologized."
"The past few days have been painful for everyone involved," Davies said. "But that is as nothing compared to any offense that may have been caused to disabled people in our community and in our country.
"We accept this wasn't Glenn's intention. It is unquestionable, though, that the controversy over whatever was or wasn't said has damaged both Glenn and his employer," Davies said.
"The FA has rightly considered all the options over recent hours. Glenn has served the England team with dedication and with loyalty but eventually all parties agreed that in the circumstances this was the correct way forward."
Hoddle appeared later at a news conference and said that his contract was terminated "by mutual consent".
"I accept that I made a serious error of judgement in an interview which has caused misunderstanding and pain to a number of people," he said in a statement.
"This was never my intention and for this I apologize.
"My sincere thanks for the support from loved one, family, friends and media colleagues who have worked with me over the past few days to try and establish the truth," said Hoddle, who declined to answer any questions.
The crisis erupted only a few days before England takes on World Cup holder France in an exhibition game at Wembley and Hoddle was scheduled to announce his lineup on Thursday.
Davies said that the FA's director of coaching, Howard Wilkinson, would take charge of the team for the game against France.
Apart from the details of the Times interview, there have been calls for Hoddle to go for some time.
The papers have been strongly critical of his team selection and have held him responsible for England's poor performances so far in attempting to qualify for the 2000 European Championship. England lies third behind Poland and Sweden in Group 5, two points behind both having played a game more and only the group winner is guaranteed a place in the final.
Hoddle's strong Christian beliefs also have prompted ridicule in some newspapers. He was criticized for enlisting faith healer Eileen Drewery to try and help some England players get over their injuries prior to the World Cup.
After hearing that Hoddle had been fired Drewery said she was very upset.
"As far as I am concerned that in the last six months there has been a complete witch-hunt for Glenn and me. The press have caused a great deal of problems for Glenn and for me," she told Sky TV.
"I am very upset to see that they have won the battle but, as far as I am concerned, I don't think they have won the war."
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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