Jack Fletcher, the son of former Manchester United captain 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 during the EFL Trophy clash against Barnsley, which United lost 5-2.
Fletcher, 18, directed the term 'gay boy' at an unnamed Barnsley player during a heated exchange. Referee Will Davis sent him off after the remark. Fletcher admitted the charge, and both the opponent and the FA regulatory commission accepted that the insult was not intentionally homophobic.
Fletcher apologised on Wednesday, stating he had 'no intention to use the term as a homophobic insult' but acknowledged the language was unacceptable. Manchester United confirmed they had worked with Fletcher to improve his understanding of discriminatory language and he will also take part in educational training through the FA.
Having already served a two-game ban immediately after the incident, Fletcher will be suspended for a further four non-first-team matches. The final match of his ban takes place on Friday, after which he will be eligible for domestic football again.
Fletcher made his senior debut for United as a substitute in December's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa and has since made two further appearances off the bench against Newcastle and Wolves. His father Darren, a United veteran, served as interim manager in early January and now coaches the Under-18s.
