Sports
Charlotte Dujardin Provisional Suspension: Britain’s Olympian Withdraws from Competitions
Charlotte Dujardin, one of Britain’s most decorated female Olympians, has been provisionally suspended by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for equestrian sports. The suspension comes in the wake of a video that has raised concerns about horse welfare practices, prompting Dujardin to withdraw from all competitions, including Paris 2024.
The FEI received footage showing the three-time Olympic gold medalist “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare during a training session at Ms. Dujardin’s private stable.” A legal representative for the claimant who filed the complaint to the FEI stated that the video depicts Dujardin “beating a horse excessively with a whip.” This incident reportedly occurred several years ago.
In a letter accompanying the complaint, the claimant’s lawyer acknowledged the potential consequences of the complaint for Dujardin, including disciplinary action. “My client had to think long and hard about whether to bring this to your attention this way,” the lawyer wrote.
Dujardin, who confirmed she is the individual in the video, has expressed deep regret over her actions. “What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils,” she stated. “However, there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”
The FEI initially announced a six-month suspension, but it later clarified that the ban would remain in place pending the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent disciplinary proceedings. Dujardin has decided to “withdraw from all competition while this process takes place.”
Both British Equestrian (BEF) and British Dressage (BD) have also imposed provisional suspensions on Dujardin while the FEI investigation is ongoing. FEI President Ingmar De Vos emphasized the importance of addressing any instances of abuse, stating, “It is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised.”
Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare, stressed the significance of maintaining public trust in equestrian sports. “We know that a successful future for horse sport has public trust at the centre of it,” Owers said. “If that trust is damaged, it will damage the sport. This is another massive wake-up call for anyone who thinks this is not important, because it most certainly is.”
The FEI has stated that it intends to proceed with its investigation as swiftly as possible. As the situation unfolds, Dujardin’s career, marked by six Olympic medals, remains in a state of uncertainty as she awaits the investigation’s outcome
Uncapped Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento have been called up to the senior England squad ahead of this week’s crucial Nations League matches against Greece and Finland.
Jones, 23, had his first taste of senior selection in May when Gareth Southgate included him in a provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024, though he didn’t make the final cut. His impressive performances for the Under-21s, especially during England’s triumph in the 2023 European Under-21 Championship under interim manager Lee Carsley, have earned him another opportunity at the senior level.
Livramento, who was part of last month’s squad but didn’t feature in the games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland, has once again been called upon by Carsley, who is serving as England’s interim manager.
Meanwhile, captain Harry Kane trained separately from the rest of the squad at St George’s Park but is expected to be fit for Thursday’s game against Greece at Wembley. Manchester City’s Jack Grealish also missed training as a precaution due to a minor knock, but his status for the upcoming matches remains hopeful.
The Three Lions will aim to secure key victories as they face Greece at home before traveling to Finland on Sunday to complete their Nations League fixtures.
Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire has confirmed he will be out of action for several weeks due to an injury sustained during United’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday. Maguire, 31, was forced to leave the match at half-time after getting injured in the first half and was later seen leaving Villa Park in a protective boot.
In a social media post, Maguire expressed his frustration, saying, “Frustrated to pick up an injury at the weekend, will be a few weeks on the sideline for me but I’ll come back stronger.”
The injury means Maguire will miss England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland, after being left out of Lee Carsley’s squad. Maguire has made nine appearances for Manchester United this season, with his most recent goal coming in the 3-3 Europa League match against Porto on October 3.
This is another setback for the centre-back, who also missed Euro 2024 due to a calf problem.
Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have been charged by the Football Association (FA) for failing to control their players after a heated confrontation during their 1-1 Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The clash occurred toward the end of the game and involved multiple players from both sides, resulting in a mass altercation.
Despite the intense nature of the incident, no action will be taken against Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, who appeared to slap Forest’s Morato during the fracas. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed the altercation but decided against further punishment for Jackson.
The confrontation began when Forest’s Neco Williams seemingly pushed Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella off the pitch, igniting tensions between the teams. Following this, players from both sides were involved in the clash, which saw three yellow cards issued—Williams for Forest, and Cucurella and Levi Colwill for Chelsea.
In a statement, the FA said, “It’s alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players didn’t behave in an improper and/or provocative way around the 88th minute.” Both Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have until Thursday to respond to the charges.
In addition to the altercation, Chelsea faces a separate £50,000 fine for receiving six or more bookings during the match, a threshold they have reached for the second time this season.
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