Oklahoma City Energy FC, the city's young professional soccer team, has released an assistant coach after he was arrested for murder in England over the weekend.
Chris Spendlove, 30, is due to appear before Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and faces a murder charge in the death of off-duty Police Constable Neil Doyle. Energy FC, who hired Spendlove in January of this year, issued a statement on Monday announcing his release from the club.
"Given the seriousness of the charges, we have made the decision to dismiss Chris from the organization," the statement reads. "That said, we are deeply saddened by the news of the incident and our hearts go out to the family of the police officer who lost his life. We are also disheartened for Chris."
Energy FC, who only began playing in the United Soccer League PRO division in April, said they were "stunned" by the news of the charges filed after an attack on Doyle was reported near the Aloha Club in Liverpool early Friday morning.
It reportedly involved Spendlove and another man, Andrew Taylor, who was also arrested, the BBC reports. The off-duty officer died of bleeding around the brain, according to a post-mortem examination.
Both Spendlove and Taylor are former soccer players, according to reports from the Liverpool Echo. Spendlove is from the Brandearth Hey area of Liverpool.
"Details of the incident will be forthcoming as the matter winds its way through England's legal system, including the extent in which Chris was involved," said Energy FC in their statement.
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