EFL Manager Handed Nine-Match Ban After Comment to Female Referee
A manager in the English Football League has been given a nine-match ban following an incident with a female referee.
On 6 September, Barnet boss Dean Brennan was charged by the Football Association after being sent off in the first half by referee Kirsty Dowle in a 3-1 home loss to Shrewsbury Town.
Brennan was given his marching orders for dissent and it was alleged that he made reference to the official's gender during the verbal abuse.
He denied the charge but an independent commission found there was an "aggravated breach" after a hearing.
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"An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Barnet FC's Dean Brennan for breaching FA Rule E3 during their EFL League Two fixture on Saturday 6 September 2025 against Shrewsbury Town FC," an FA spokesperson said.
"It was alleged that the manager acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official, contrary to FA Rule E3.1. It was further alleged that this conduct constitutes an 'Aggravated Breach', which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference - whether express or implied - to gender."
Since 2013, the FA's minimum punishments for cases in which discrimination is proven is for five games. Brennan has been banned for nine games and will therefore not be on the touchline until the fixture with Cambridge United on 28 March.
ln addition, he has been given a £2,000 fine and is required to attend a mandatory education course.
The alleged comment which brought the charge has not been disclose but is expected to be when the case file is released. On Thursday, Barnet issued a statement which carried comments from Brennan, who denied the charge and said he does not agree with the FA's verdict.
The 45-year-old said: "Throughout this case I have categorically denied the FA charge of discrimination. Whilst the panel have come to their conclusion, which I have to respect, I do not agree with their decision.
"There is a place in football for everyone, it's the greatest sport on the planet. Personally, football has given me everything I have today; I owe football everything. It enabled me to meet my wife and create our family and friends.
"This made me the person I am today, whilst staying true to my Irish heritage, of which I am extremely proud. I'd like to thank Lindsay Gordon at the League Managers Association for all her support and I'd like to thank my legal representative Craig Harris for his support and expert guidance.
"I'd also like to thank the staff at Barnet Football Club, my chairman and The Kleanthous family for their full support throughout this time. A special thanks goes to my wife and family, I love you all.
"Live for today, learn from yesterday, look forward to tomorrow. God Bless."
Brennan became Barnet manager in September in 2021 and secured promotion from the National League last season. The club are currently 11th in League Two after 30 games.
He previously managed Hemel Hempstead, Billericay Town and Wealdstone.
Josh Lawless