Topics: Man Utd, Premier League, FA
Jack Fletcher, the son of former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, has received a six-match ban and a fine after using a discriminatory word during an EFL Trophy match against Barnsley.
The 18-year-old, who made his senior debut for United in December, was shown a straight red card back in October following a heated exchange with a Barnsley player.
As per a report from The Mail, which has published details from the FA's disciplinary hearing, referee Will Davis was around one yard away from Fletcher when he heard him shout, "you're a gay boy" towards his opponent.
Fletcher did not dispute that he said the words. He went on to explain that during the second half of the match, he had been subjected to two separate off-the-ball fouls.
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He explained in his written submission that he raised the incident with Davis and attempted to remain calm.
However, following Barnsley's third goal, the opponent from Barnsley is said to have made comments to him about his father, Darren, as well as his twin brother, Tyler.
In response to those alleged jibes, Fletcher admitted to saying: "You seem to know a lot about me, are you a gay boy?".
On Wednesday, Manchester United confirmed in a statement that Fletcher has apologised for using a discriminatory word.
"The 18-year-old accepted an FA charge for using an insulting term which included a reference, whether express or implied, to sexual orientation, and has now served three of his four (non-first team) game suspension," the statement added.
"Manchester United has worked with Jack to strengthen his understanding of discriminatory language, and why it is harmful. In addition to his ongoing participation in regular Academy programmes on diversity and inclusion, Jack will also take part in educational training through the FA.
"Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club. Since launching All Red All Equal in 2016, we have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do."
Fletcher has also released a statement, saying he is "truly sorry for the offensive word used in the heat of the moment".
He added: "Despite the fact that I had no intention to use the term as a homophobic insult, I completely understand that such language is unacceptable and immediately apologised after the game.
"I want to be clear that this momentary lapse of character absolutely does not reflect my beliefs or values.”
The FA stated on its website: “Breach of FA Rule E3. It is alleged that during the fixture, [Fletcher] acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words, contrary to FA Rule E3.1.
“It is alleged that the breach of FA Rule E3.1 is an ‘Aggravated Breach’, as defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to sexual orientation.
“Jack Fletcher admitted the charge and elected a paper hearing.”
Rainbow Devils, the officially recognised Manchester United LGBTQ+ Supporters Club, say they hope Fletcher "learns from this and grows as a person and a player".
A statement from the group read: "Rainbow Devils welcome the statement from Manchester United, as well as the apology and contrition from Jack Fletcher."
"Homophobic language has no place in football or society regardless of intention or connotation. Words matter and words hurt. Football must be for everyone to feel safe and included. "Education, meaningful consequences and a genuine commitment to learning from mistakes are key to ensuring incidents like this become an opportunity for growth and change.
"Parents, teachers, football clubs, all of us have a responsibility to young people to teach them right and wrong in regards to all forms of discrimination.
"We hope Jack learns from this and grows as a person and a player. His immediate regret and guilty plea suggests that he will."
