VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A coach with the Vancouver Whitecaps youth programs left his previous job in England amidst an investigation into racism. This man has been involved with the local soccer club since 2013.

When Brett Adams left Notts County in 2013, he did so while he was being investigated following complaints of racism. Specifically, it was reported by numerous British outlets that Notts County youth players had claimed that Adams threw a banana at a black player.

Adams and another coach under investigation at that point quit before a disciplinary hearing took place.

#EXCLUSIVE A coach with the Vancouver Whitecaps youth programs left his previous job in England amid an investigation into racism following claims made by young players with Notts County. Listen to @news1130 for details at 3 p.m. — Martin MacMahon (@martinmacmahon) April 23, 2019

Two years after Adams was hired by the Whitecaps, the FA found the charge “proven.” Adams was suspended and fined.

Meanwhile, the club says Adams was hired following a recommendation by a long-time member of its staff, noting the organization only became aware of the allegations against him a few months later, despite the story being a matter of public record.

“Upon hearing the information we contacted those involved in the investigation in Notts county and were told the allegations were groundless,” read a statement from Academy Centre Director Marinos Papageorgopolous. “Alongside our partner club we remained supportive of our coach based on our own findings and his exemplary record over many years.”

In another statement President of Nelson Youth Soccer, Chuck Bennett said the community was aware of the story but did “not feel pulling Brett out of the community would have been the best thing for our kids.” Bennett added that Adams has been an “outstanding coach, leader and member” of their soccer community, noting the club is “absolutely supportive of him.”

Adams has deleted his Twitter account following NEWS 1130’s inquiries for this story.