Dean Brennan, the manager of League Two side Barnet, has been handed a significant nine-game touchline suspension and a £2,000 fine after an independent regulatory commission found him guilty of making sexist comments towards female referee Kirsty Dowle. The 45-year-old Irishman, who denies the charge first revealed in December, is alleged to have directed offensive remarks at Dowle, 34, during Barnet's 3-1 defeat to Shrewsbury Town in September.
FA Sanctions and Aggravated Breach
An FA spokesperson confirmed the sanctions, stating Brennan breached FA Rule E3 during the League Two fixture on September 6, 2025. The commission ruled that the manager acted improperly and used abusive or insulting words towards a match official. Crucially, it was deemed an "Aggravated Breach" under FA Rule E3.2, as the conduct included a reference to gender, highlighting the severity of the incident.
Incident Details and Additional Penalties
The altercation occurred in the first half of the match, after Brennan was sent off for dissent by referee Dowle, which reportedly triggered an angry response. In addition to the ban and fine, Brennan must complete a mandatory education programme, underscoring the FA's commitment to addressing discriminatory behaviour in football.
Barnet released a statement on Thursday, featuring a message from Brennan himself. He said, "Throughout this case I have categorically denied the FA charge of discrimination. Whilst the panel have come to their conclusion, which I have to respect, I do not agree with their decision." Brennan expressed gratitude for support from his legal team, the League Managers Association, and Barnet's leadership, while emphasising his pride in his Irish heritage and love for football.
Manager's Background and Impact
Brennan, who has managed Barnet since 2021 after stints at Billericay Town and Wealdstone, and played for clubs like Luton and Wimbledon, will not return to the dugout until Barnet face Cambridge United on March 28. Currently, Barnet sit 11th in League Two. Since 2013, the FA has enforced a minimum five-game ban for proven discrimination cases, covering racism, homophobia, and other discriminatory language, with Brennan's nine-game penalty reflecting the aggravated nature of this breach.
