Manchester United midfielder Jack Fletcher has been suspended for six matches after using the term “gay boy” during an EFL Trophy fixture earlier this season.
The 18-year-old United academy player was shown a straight red card during an away match against Barnsley F.C. in October, a dismissal that initially confused.
The Football Association (FA) has now released the written reasons for its decision, confirming that Fletcher did not dispute the charge.
According to the FA’s report, the incident occurred in the 62nd minute following a Barnsley goal, when Fletcher became involved in a verbal confrontation with an opposing player, whose identity has been redacted.
Referee Will Davis, positioned approximately one yard away, told the hearing he heard Fletcher direct the phrase “you’re a gay boy” at his opponent.
In addition to the six-match suspension, Fletcher was fined £1,500 and ordered to attend a mandatory face-to-face education programme. Failure to complete the programme will result in further suspension.
In his submission to the FA, Fletcher explained that he had been subjected to off-the-ball fouls during the second half, including being thrown to the ground in the build-up to a goal and later having his Achilles stamped on while the ball was out of play.
He also stated that the same opponent had made remarks about him and his family throughout the match.
Fletcher’s twin brother, Tyler, was also playing in the fixture, while their father, former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, was in attendance.
