Bristol City are reportedly angry with the Football Association after being "dragged" into the controversy surrounding Mark Sampson's sacking as England Women head coach.

The 34-year-old was dismissed from his post after safeguarding allegations from his time in charge of the Robins academy - a role he left in late 2013 - emerged.

According to Sky Sports News, a source connected to City has claimed that the Championship club feels like it has been "thrown under a bus" and is aggrieved with the FA for not keeping them in the loop regarding the investigation into Sampson's past.

Sampson was cleared of racism, harassment and bullying allegations made by ex-England player Eni Aluko on two separate occasions, only to be sacked for "inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour" after "external sources" urged the FA to look into his past.

The governing body says that Aluko's allegations are unrelated to his dismissal.