Premier League side Watford Head of Academy Darren Sarll was suspended "amid accusations of bullying," according to Sami Mokbel of the London DAILY MAIL. The club launched an internal investigation into the allegations, having "moved promptly to deal with the matter." Watford's safeguarding department was made aware of the issue and believes there were "sufficient grounds to suspend Sarll earlier this week pending the probe." Sources claim the allegations surround the "humiliation" of players within the club's academy setup. It is believed the accusations are "not linked to discrimination" (DAILY MAIL, 1/30).
UNDER INVESTIGATION: In London, Louise Taylor reported an employee of League One side Sunderland was arrested on suspicion of "the sexual grooming of a boy" but released under investigation pending further inquiries. A spokesperson for Northumbria police said, "Police have arrested a 60-year-old man on suspicion of meeting a male under the age of 16 following sexual grooming." A spokesperson for the club said, "We were made aware of allegations pertaining to a member of staff. We reported the matter to police immediately and the individual in question was suspended" (GUARDIAN, 1/30).
RACIST CHANTING: In London, Martyn Ziegler reported League Championship side Millwall is expected to be the first English club to be "punished for racist chanting" by its fans after an FA rule change. A large group of Millwall fans were "filmed taking part in a racist chant" during the FA Cup match against Everton on Saturday, which was "clearly audible" over other crowd noise. The governing body is investigating and is "likely to charge" Millwall over its supporters' behavior (LONDON TIMES, 1/29).
