USL PRO outfit Oklahoma City Energy FC have dismissed assistant coach Chris Spendlove after he was accused of the murder of an off-duty police officer in his native England.
Energy FC general manager Jason Hawkins released the following statement on Monday:
"We are stunned by the news today of murder charges being filed against OKC Energy FC assistant coach Chris Spendlove in England stemming from an altercation involving several individuals on Friday, December 19. The incident resulted in the death of an off-duty law enforcement officer. Details of the incident will be forthcoming as the matter winds its way through England's legal system including the extent in which Chris was involved. Given the seriousness of the charges, we have made the decision to dismiss Chris from the organization. That said, we are deeply saddened by the news of the incident and our hearts go out to the family of the police officer who lost his life. We are also disheartened for Chris. As an assistant coach, he was always professional and conducted himself in a proper and respectful manner. Our thoughts are also with him and his family during this difficult time." |
Spendlove and a friend are alleged to have killed the officer, Neil Doyle, during an altercation including two of Doyle's off-duty colleagues in the Liverpool city center early on Friday morning.
The 30-year-old Spendlove played collegiate soccer at Oklahoma City University before a brief stint in USL PRO with the Wilmington Hammerheads and Energy FC, prior to taking up coaching.
OKC Energy FC began play as a new USL PRO franchise in the 2014 season, where they finished 10th in the overall table. The team is currently affiliated with Sporting Kansas City, and is coached by former SKC goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen.
