Jack Fletcher, son of Manchester United legend Darren Fletcher, has been handed a six-match ban and fined £1,500 for using a homophobic slur during an Under-21 match. The incident occurred in October's 5-2 EFL Trophy defeat to Barnsley at Oakwell, where the 18-year-old midfielder called an opposing player a 'gay boy' in the 62nd minute.
Referee Will Davis reported the comment, leading to Fletcher's red card. The midfielder admitted the charge, with both the opponent and the FA regulatory commission accepting he did not intend to be homophobic. Fletcher apologised on Wednesday, stating: '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.'
Manchester United said: 'The club 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.'
Having already served a two-game ban immediately after the incident, Fletcher will miss four further non-first-team competitive matches, with the final one on Friday. He will then be available for domestic football again. Fletcher made his senior debut as a substitute in December's 2-1 loss at Aston Villa and has since made two more appearances off the bench.
Darren Fletcher, a United player for 13 years, briefly served as interim manager in January and now coaches the Under-18s.
