• Manager Nigel Pearson’s son, James, one of three dismissed • Other two players are Tom Hopper and Adam Smith

Leicester City have sacked the three footballers who had been accused of taking part in a racist sex film on a post-season tour to Thailand – including James Pearson, the son of the club’s manager, Nigel Pearson.

The club have announced that they have terminated the contracts of Pearson Jr, Tom Hopper and Adam Smith after an investigation into allegations that the players had racially abused and made other offensive comments to women with whom they were engaging in sex acts in a Thai hotel room.

A statement read: “Leicester City Football Club has notified Tom Hopper, Adam Smith and James Pearson that their contracts with the club have been terminated.

“The decision follows the conclusion of an internal investigation and disciplinary proceedings, as a consequence of events that took place during the club’s end-of-season goodwill tour of Thailand.

“Leicester City Football Club is acutely aware of its position, and that of its players, as a representative of the city of Leicester, the Premier League, the Football Association and the Club’s supporters. It is committed to promoting a positive message of community and family values and equality, and to upholding the standards expected of a Club with its history, tradition and aspirations.”

Among the allegations was that a player had called one of the women a “slit eye”. The video was alleged to have later been shared with friends in the UK.

The incident, which first came to light when footage was obtained by the Sunday Mirror at the end of May, drew a quick response from Leicester, who said at the time that they were deeply concerned by the story. The players issued swift apologies for their behaviour but this does not appear to have counted in their favour and all three will now have to resurrect their careers elsewhere.

The situation has been a deep embarrassment to Leicester, who are owned by the Thai billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and his son Aiyawatt, and have worked in a strategic partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand for three years.