Judo: Allan takes blame for row

DEBBIE ALLAN, the European featherweight bronze medallist, has taken the blame for the incident during the British Olympic Association's training camp at Tallahassee, Florida, which led to the suspension of Mark Earle, the deputy national squad trainer, writes Philip Nicksan.

The incident culminated in a blow by Earle to Allan, but the 19-year-old said it was a slap, not a punch, and described it as her fault.

During a difficult training session, Earle asked her to leave the mat. In a formal statement, Allan said: 'I refused at first, but eventually left the mat. I wanted to discuss the matter with Mark but he clearly did not want to.'

Later in the evening, she banged 'persistently' on his door. 'Mark came out of his room very angrily and repeatedly shouted: 'Go to your room.' I stood in front of him and flatly refused, and he slapped my face. I repeat, he slapped my face and did not punch me. I trust the error I now believe I have made will not jeopardise Mark's future.' The British Judo Association is conducting its own inquiry.