Aberdeen stand by Russell after 'serious error of judgement'

Aberdeen Football Club have said Allan Russell will continue in his coaching role with their support after his involvement in a road traffic accident last year.

Russell had admitted he allowed his brother to drive his vehicle while not insured and over the legal drink drive limit, when the car was involved in a collision in Oxfordshire last July.

The 40-year-old former player has left his position as a strikers’ coach with the FA just a month before Euro 2020 after the English football authority learned of the incident. He was appointed to Aberdeen’s coaching team at the beginning of April as part of new manager Stephen Glass’ staff.

A spokesman for Russell said: “He is very mindful of the impact this has had on all parties involved.

“Furthermore, he does not want to become a distraction to Gareth Southgate and the England team going into the Euros this summer.

“He has therefore agreed to leave his post with the FA and will concentrate fully on his coaching role at Aberdeen FC.”

The Pittodrie club have now said Russell has suffered the consequences after the “regrettable” accident.

A club spokeperson said: “The club has now been made aware of all the circumstances surrounding a regrettable road traffic accident last year, in which Allan was a passenger in the vehicle. He is deeply remorseful about the consequences of this incident for everyone involved.

“Having taken everything into consideration, we feel Allan made a serious error of judgement but he took responsibility and has suffered the consequences.

“We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to redeem themselves by learning from their mistakes and the club will be supporting Allan in his role as an assistant coach at AFC where he is already making a positive impact.”