Dean Brennan, the manager of League Two side Barnet, is facing a potential six-match touchline ban after being charged by the Football Association for allegedly making sexist comments towards a referee. This marks the first time an EFL manager has been charged with such an offence.
The Incident and FA Charge
The alleged incident occurred during Barnet's League Two defeat to Shrewsbury Town in September. Brennan was sent off by referee Kirsty Dowle for dissent in the first half. It is understood that this dismissal prompted an angry reaction from the manager, with Dowle subsequently logging his comments in her official match report.
This report triggered an FA investigation, which has now resulted in a formal charge. The FA alleges Brennan committed an aggravated breach of Rule E3.1, citing that he "acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words" towards the official, with the aggravation relating to an alleged reference to her gender.
Precedents and Potential Sanctions
Cases of alleged sexism in football towards match officials are uncommon. However, a recent precedent was set last summer when Marc White, the owner-manager of Dorking Wanderers, received a six-match touchline ban for offensive remarks about women made on a podcast.
The FA introduced a minimum five-match suspension for proven discrimination cases in 2013, following the high-profile Luis Suárez and Patrice Evra racism case. This baseline tariff was increased to six matches in 2019. This minimum sanction applies to offences involving racism, homophobia, or any other discriminatory language or behaviour.
The ban can be extended based on aggravating factors or reduced if compelling mitigation is presented. Brennan now has a period in which to respond to the charge.
Broader Context and Reactions
The charge against Brennan highlights ongoing challenges within the game regarding respect towards officials, particularly those who are women. The FA has declined to comment on the ongoing case, while Barnet FC was approached for a statement.
As Brennan prepares his team for life in the EFL following promotion last season, this charge presents a significant personal and professional challenge. The outcome of this case will be closely watched as a barometer for how football's governing body handles allegations of sexist abuse within the professional game.
