Man Utd player given six-game ban and fine by FA for homophobic abuse | Football | Sport

Manchester United youth team player Jack Fletcher has been handed a six-match ban for an FA breach “involving a reference to sexual orientation”. The 18-year-old, who is the son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, has also been fined £1500 for his actions.

The incident occurred during United Under-21s’ 5–2 EFL Trophy defeat at Barnsley in October. An FA report reveals that referee Will Davis overheard Fletcher in a verbal exchange with an opponent while the match was paused for a substitution. It adds that Davis stood by the Barnsley player to try and de-escalate the situation and “clearly” heard Fletcher shout “you’re a gay boy”.

And the FA has since confirmed that Fletcher has admitted a breach of FA Rule E3. They say that it is an “aggravated breach”, as defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to sexual orientation.

Fletcher was banned for two games for his red card against Barnsley and has been handed a four-game ban after accepting the FA breach. He has served three of those four games, with only non-first-team competitive fixtures counting. He has made three appearances for the first team this season.

The Red Devils youngster has been handed an education order alongside his suspension and fine for the incident. The teenager has since apologiesd for his actions.

He said: “I am truly sorry for the offensive word that I used in the heat of the moment. Despite the fact that I had no intention to use the term as a homophobic insult, I completely understand that such language is unacceptable and immediately apologised after the game. I want to be clear that this momentary lapse of character absolutely does not reflect my beliefs or values.”

A statement from Manchester United said: “Manchester United has worked with Jack to strengthen his understanding of discriminatory language, and why it is harmful. In addition to his ongoing participation in regular Academy programmes on diversity and inclusion, Jack will also take part in educational training through the FA.

“Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club. Since launching All Red All Equal in 2016, we have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do.”

A statement from United’s LGBTQ+ supporters club, Rainbow Devils, has welcomed the club’s message of inclusivity and Fletcher’s apology.

They said: “Rainbow Devils welcome the statement from Manchester United, as well as the apology and contrition from Jack Fletcher. Homophobic language has no place in football or society regardless of intention or connotation.

“Words matter and words hurt. Football must be for everyone to feel safe and included. Education, meaningful consequences and a genuine commitment to learning from mistakes are key to ensuring incidents like this become an opportunity for growth and change. Parents, teachers, football clubs, all of us have a responsibility to young people to teach them right and wrong in regards to all forms of discrimination.

“We hope Jack learns from this and grows as a person and a player. His immediate regret and guilty plea suggests that he will.”