Manchester United midfielder Jack Fletcher has been handed a six-match ban and fined £1,500 after using a homophobic slur during an Under-21s match against Barnsley in October. The 18-year-old, son of club legend Darren Fletcher, admitted the charge and apologised, stating the comment was not intended as homophobic.
The incident occurred in the 62nd minute of the EFL Trophy tie at Oakwell, which United lost 5-2. Fletcher directed the term “gay boy” at an unnamed Barnsley player during an argument, leading to a red card from referee Will Davis. The FA regulatory commission accepted that Fletcher did not intend to be homophobic.
Fletcher said: “I am truly sorry for the offensive word that I used in the heat of the moment… I completely understand that such language is unacceptable and immediately apologised after the game.” Manchester United stated they have worked with Fletcher to strengthen his understanding of discriminatory language and he will also undergo FA educational training.
Having already served a two-game suspension immediately after the incident, Fletcher will miss a further four non-first-team competitive matches. The final game of his ban falls on Friday, after which he becomes available for domestic football. Fletcher made his senior debut as a substitute in December's 2-1 loss to Aston Villa and has since made two more appearances off the bench.
