Manchester United prospect Jack Fletcher has apologised for using ‘unacceptable language’ after being hit with a six-game ban and a £1,500 advantageous.
The 18-year-old, son of club legend Darren Fletcher, was shown a straight red card during Manchester United Under-21’s 5-2 EFL Trophy defeat at Barnsley in October.
The next FA charge stated that Fletcher ‘acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words.’
His behaviour constituted an aggravated breach because his comment ‘included a reference, whether express or implied, to sexual orientation.’
The FA has since confirmed that Fletcher called an opponent ‘gay boy’ and he has admitted the charge.
Fletcher has apologised, saying he didn’t intend what he said to be taken as a ‘homophobic insult’ but accepts it was unaccpetable.
‘I’m truly sorry for the offensive word that I utilized in the warmth of the moment,’ said the Red Devils teen.
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‘Despite the undeniable fact that I had no intention to make use of the term as a homophobic insult, I completely understand that such language is unacceptable and immediately apologised after the sport.
‘I need to be clear that this momentary lapse of character absolutely doesn’t reflect my beliefs or values.’
A club statement read: ‘Manchester United has worked with Jack to strengthen his understanding of discriminatory language, and why it’s harmful.
‘Along with his ongoing participation in regular Academy programmes on diversity and inclusion, Jack will even participate in educational training through the FA.
‘Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club.’
The FA stated: ‘It’s alleged that throughout the fixture, [Fletcher] acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words, contrary to FA Rule E3.1.
‘It’s alleged that the breach of FA Rule E3.1 is an ‘Aggravated Breach’, as defined in FA Rule E3.2, because 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, posted: ‘Rainbow Devils welcome the statement from Manchester United in addition to the apology and contrition from Jack Fletcher.
‘Homophobic language has no place in football or society no matter intention or connotation.
‘Words matter and words hurt. Football have to be for everybody to feel protected and included. Education, meaningful consequences and a real commitment to learning from mistakes are key to making sure incidents like this grow to be a possibility for growth and alter.
‘Parents, teachers, football clubs, all of us have a responsibility to young people to show them right and unsuitable with regard to all types of discrimination.
‘We hope Jack learns from this and grows as an individual and a player. His immediate regret and guilty plea suggests that he’ll.’
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