MLS Farm Team Coach Charged With Murder Of Off-Duty Cop In England

Christopher Spendlove, an assistant coach for USL Pro's Oklahoma City Energy FC, and a friend of his have been charged with killing an off-duty police officer in their native England. The two former American collegiate athletes are also charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm on two other officers in the alleged attack.

The alleged incident took place in the early hours of last Friday at the Liverpool city centre. There aren't many details about how and why the alleged fight occurred, but the deceased officer, Neil Doyle, was taken to the hospital only to be declared dead due to bleeding on the brain. The other two off-duty officers were admitted for treatment, one suffering from a broken cheekbone. They've both since been released from the hospital's care.

Spendlove's employers at Oklahoma City Energy, who last year struck a partnership agreement with MLS team Sporting KC, had this to say about the incident and their decision to dismiss the coach:

"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.

"Given the seriousness of the charges, we have made the decision to dismiss Chris from the organisation.

"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."

Spendlove and his accomplice, Andrew Taylor, both attended Oklahoma City University on scholarship.

[ Liverpool Echo | NewsOK]