Jack Fletcher apologises after FA hands six-match ban for homophobic remark

Midfielder Jack Fletcher of Manchester United has apologised after receiving a six-match suspension from The Football Association for using a homophobic slur during a match. The 18-year-old, who represents England at Under-19 level and is the son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, was shown a red card in the 62nd minute of a 5-2 EFL Trophy defeat to Barnsley in October. At the time, the reason for the dismissal was not publicly disclosed. In its written findings, the FA confirmed that Fletcher was sent off for calling an opponent “gay boy” during the encounter. “I am truly sorry for the offensive word I used in the heat of the moment,” Fletcher said in a statement. “I completely understand such language is unacceptable and immediately apologised after the game.” The teenager described the incident as a “momentary lapse of character” that does not reflect his beliefs or values. He insisted he had no intention of using the term as a homophobic insult — a position the FA’s disciplinary commission acknowledged — but it nonetheless determined that a six-match suspension was appropriate. In addition to the ban, Fletcher has been fined £1,500 and ordered to complete a mandatory face-to-face education programme. The FA warned that failure to complete the course could result in further suspension. According to the governing body’s report, Fletcher told the hearing that he had been subjected to repeated remarks about him and his family during the match. He also said he had earlier been thrown to the ground and stamped on his Achilles by the same opponent. Manchester United said the player and the club have accepted the punishment. The club added that it has been working with Fletcher to strengthen his understanding of discriminatory language and its harmful impact. He will continue to participate in internal diversity programmes alongside the FA-mandated training. United’s official LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, Rainbow Devils, welcomed Fletcher’s apology but stressed that homophobic language has no place in football or wider society. “Homophobic language has no place in football or society regardless of intention or connotation,” the group said. “Words matter and words hurt.”