Reading Assistant Kitman Handed Six-Match Ban for Homophobic Abuse of Referee
The Football Association has imposed a significant six-match stadium suspension and a £200 fine on Reading's first team assistant kit manager, Richard Bone, following a serious incident of abusive language directed at a match official. The sanction comes after Bone admitted to using homophobic slurs during a League One encounter earlier this season.
Incident During Huddersfield Defeat
The controversial episode unfolded during Reading's 2-0 home defeat to Huddersfield Town at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on August 9, 2025. According to FA documents, Bone was heard by fourth official Harrison Blair making a lewd and offensive comment about referee Matt Corlett towards the end of the first half.
The written reasoning reveals Bone shouted: 'He should be in the National League. He has sucked d*** to get to this level.' This remark was reported to Corlett during the half-time interval, though the referee himself did not hear the comment while officiating on the pitch.
FA Investigation and Admission
The FA charged Bone in December with breaching Rule E3, which covers improper conduct and the use of insulting or abusive language. The governing body determined this constituted an aggravated breach under Rule E3.2, as the words included an implied reference to sexual orientation.
Bone admitted the charge 'at the first opportunity' both after the match and throughout the disciplinary process. However, in his defence, he claimed the comment was 'not aimed at anyone' specifically.
Regulatory Commission Sanctions
An independent Regulatory Commission handed down the following sanctions:
- A six-match stadium and ground suspension
- A £200 financial penalty
- Mandatory education requirements
In their statement, the FA emphasised: 'Richard Bone admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a six-match stadium/ground suspension, £200 fine and mandatory education.'
Referee's Account of Events
Referee Matt Corlett provided a witness statement detailing how he became aware of the incident. He explained that he first learned about the alleged homophobic comment after the game while in the referee's changing room.
'The Head of Safety at RFC, who I know as "Dave" came into our room and was speaking to HB. I overheard them talking and one of them say, "the words used in the incident before half time", so I interrupted and said, "sorry gents what are we talking about here".'
Corlett continued: 'HB then informed me that just before half time that he heard someone from the RFC staff team, who was standing in front of the tunnel and just behind him, say towards me, "he should be in the National League. He has sucked d*** to get to this level".'
Suspension Progress and Background
The six-match ban commenced late last month, with Bone already having served half of the suspension at the time of writing. He missed Reading's 2-2 draw with Barnsley and will be absent for three further matches.
Bone has been with Reading for three years, following a ten-month stint at Colchester United. The club currently sits tenth in the League One table as they continue their campaign without their assistant kitman's presence on matchdays.
This case highlights the FA's continued commitment to tackling discriminatory language in football, particularly comments referencing sexual orientation, which are treated as aggravated breaches under current regulations.
