By Paul Joseph
Manchester United midfielder Jack Fletcher has been handed a six-match suspension after admitting to using a homophobic slur during a match, The Football Association has confirmed.
The 18-year-old England Under-19 international was shown a red card in the 62nd minute of United’s 5-2 EFL Trophy defeat by Barnsley in October. At the time, the reason for the dismissal was unclear. The FA has now revealed Fletcher was sent off for calling an opponent a homophobic term.
Fletcher, the son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, issued a public apology following the announcement of the sanction.
He described the incident as a “momentary lapse of character” that “does not reflect my beliefs or values.”
In addition to the six-match ban, Fletcher has been fined £1,500 and ordered to attend a mandatory face-to-face education programme. The FA stated that failure to complete the programme would result in further suspension.
According to the FA’s written reasons, Fletcher directed the comment at an opponent who had made remarks about him and his family during the match. Fletcher told the governing body he had earlier been thrown to the ground and had his Achilles stamped on by the same player.
Manchester United said the club has been working closely with Fletcher to reinforce his understanding of discriminatory language and its impact.
“He will continue to take part in club diversity programmes in addition to the training required by the FA,” the club said in a statement.
United’s official LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, Rainbow Devils, welcomed Fletcher’s apology, stating that “homophobic language has no place in football or society regardless of intention or connotation.”
“Words matter and words hurt,” the group added.
The incident comes amid continued efforts within English football to tackle discriminatory behaviour and promote inclusivity at all levels of the game.
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