Manchester United midfielder Jack Fletcher has been handed a six-match ban and fined £1,500 for using a homophobic slur during an Under-21s match. The 18-year-old, son of club legend Darren Fletcher, directed the term 'gay boy' at an unnamed Barnsley player during October's 5-2 EFL Trophy defeat at Oakwell.
Referee Will Davis sent Fletcher off in the 62nd minute after the incident. Fletcher admitted the charge, and both the opponent and the FA regulatory commission accepted he did not intend to be homophobic. He apologised on Wednesday, stating the comment was made 'in the heat of the moment' and that it does not reflect his beliefs.
Manchester United confirmed they have worked with Fletcher to strengthen his understanding of discriminatory language. In addition to existing academy programmes, he will undertake further educational training through the FA. Fletcher served an initial two-game ban immediately after the incident, with the remaining four matches running until Friday.
Fletcher made his senior debut as a 73rd-minute substitute in December's 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, and has since made two more appearances off the bench against Newcastle and Wolves. His father, Darren Fletcher, who played for United for 13 years, recently served as interim manager and now oversees the Under-18s.
