Manchester United midfielder Jack Fletcher has been handed a six-match ban for using a homophobic slur.
The England Under-19 international, and son of Man Utd legend Darren Fletcher, has apologised for the incident.
The offensive language resulted in a red card during a 5-2 EFL Trophy defeat by Barnsley in October.
Warning: This report contains offensive language
Details of the Incident
The Football Association has confirmed that Fletcher, 18, was sent off for calling an opponent “gay boy”. The incident occurred in the 62nd minute of the match.
At the time of the game, the reason for the red card was not immediately clear.
In its written reasons, the FA said Fletcher made his comment to an opponent who had made remarks about him and his family throughout the match. It was also noted that Fletcher told the FA he had been thrown to the floor and his Achilles had been stamped on by the same opponent earlier in the game.
Fletcher’s twin brother, Tyler, was also playing, while Darren was in the crowd.
Fletcher’s Apology and Club Response
Fletcher stated: “I am truly sorry for the offensive word I used in the heat of the moment.” He added, “I completely understand such language is unacceptable and immediately apologised after the game.”
Fletcher said a “momentary lapse of character absolutely does not reflect my beliefs or values”.
Manchester United said they have been working with Fletcher to “strengthen his understanding of discriminatory language and why it is harmful”. He will also continue to take part in club diversity programmes in addition to the training he has been told to do by the FA.
FA Sanctions and Rainbow Devils’ Statement
In addition to the ban, Fletcher was fined £1,500.
He must also attend a mandatory face-to-face education programme or face further suspension until it is completed.
Manchester United’s official LGBTQ+ fans group Rainbow Devils said it welcomed Fletcher’s apology and that “homophobic language has no place in football or society regardless of intention or connotation”.
“Words matter and words hurt,” it said.
Jack Fletcher has played senior games for Manchester United.