Greg Dyke offers full support to England boss Roy Hodgson over Andros Townsend comment

Image: FA chairman Greg Dyke has offered his full support to Roy Hodgson

FA chairman Greg Dyke has backed England manager Roy Hodgson and insists his 'monkey' comment to Andros Townsend was not racist.

Hodgson and the FA are reportedly upset that his comments have become an issue, especially in the wake of all the positive press he received for securing England's place at the World Cup finals next summer with the 2-0 win at Wembley. "I would like to apologise if any offence has been caused by what I said at half-time," Hodgson said earlier on Thursday. "There was absolutely no intention on my part to say anything inappropriate. I made this clear straight away to Andros in the dressing room. "I also spoke to Andros again on Wednesday. He has assured me and The FA he did not take any offence, and understood the point I was making in the manner I intended." Kick-It Out campaign chairman Lord Ouseley called for further investigation, though, saying: "This is not a hanging offence but offence has been caused, and now it is public the FA has a duty to investigate what happened. "All the FA has to do is examine the facts and make a statement. If they do not there will be recriminations from other players." Townsend scored a superb goal on his international debut against Montenegro and followed that up with another eye-catching performance in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Poland. The 22-year-old is now a strong contender for a place in Hodgson's 23-man squad, but appreciates that he can take nothing for granted as selections will be made based on club form over the remainder of the 2013/14 Premier League season. "For me, I have got to put that to the back of my mind now," Townsend told Sky Sports News. "I have got a difficult enough job trying to keep my place in the Tottenham team. We have got some fantastic players all vying for one position, so I have got to play well in every game and hopefully the rewards will come at the end of the season."
Outbrain