Manchester United v Newcastle United - Premier League
Manchester United’s Jack Fletcher has been hit with a ban and fine (Picture: Getty Images)
Manchester United prospect Jack Fletcher has apologised for using ‘unacceptable language’ after being hit with a six-game ban and a £1,500 fine.
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 subsequent 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.’
Fletcher has apologised, saying he did not intend what he said to be taken as a ‘homophobic insult’ but accepts it was unaccpetable.
‘I am truly sorry for the offensive word that I used in the heat of the moment,’ said the Red Devils youngster.
‘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.
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Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
Fletcher has made three Premier League appearances this season (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I want to be clear that this momentary lapse of character absolutely does not 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 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.’
Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
Fletcher has been capped by England up to Under-19 level (Picture: Getty Images)
The FA stated: ‘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, posted: ‘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.’
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