Sorry Steele heads to Nantwich (From The Oxford Times)

Sorry Steele heads to Nantwich

9:20am Monday 16th January 2012 in News

Former Oxford City striker Lee Steele has been charged with bringing the game into disrepute.

The FA charge relates to a comment about gay rugby star Gareth Thomas Mr Steele made on microblogging site Twitter.

The striker was sacked by Oxford City but has been now been signed by semi-professional Cheshire club Nantwich Town.

He has also apologised for the remark.

The 38-year-old’s post said in relation to Mr Thomas’ appearance on Celebrity Big Brother: “I wouldnt (sic) fancy the bed next to Gareth Thomas #padlockeda**ehole."

A statement on Nantwich Town FC’s website yesterday read: “Lee was released by Oxford City this week due to comments on a social media site.

“These were made tongue-in-cheek at the time and Lee would like to apologise for this and any offence that this has caused and would also like to stress that he is not homophobic in any way.”

Mr Steele’s contract with Oxford City was terminated last week and the club said the comment was “seriously contrary to the ethos of the club”.

The comment appeared on the social network site on Thursday, January 5, and it was deleted by 1pm the following day. Mr Steele, who played for Oxford United between 2002 and 2004, has until January 23 to reply to the FA charge.