Fletcher banned for six games for homophobic slur

Jack Fletcher has played three senior games for Manchester United Warning: This report contains offensive language Manchester United midfielder Jack Fletcher has apologised for using a homophobic slur that has led to him receiving a six-match ban. The England Under-19 international, son of United legend Darren Fletcher, was shown a red card in the 62nd minute of a 5-2 EFL Trophy defeat by Barnsley in October. At the time it was not clear what had prompted the decision. However, the Football Association has now confirmed that Fletcher, 18, was sent off for calling an opponent "gay boy". "I am truly sorry for the offensive word I used in the heat of the moment," said Fletcher. "I completely understand such language is unacceptable and immediately apologised after the game." Fletcher said a "momentary lapse of character absolutely does not reflect my beliefs or values". The 18-year-old insisted he "had no intention to use the term as a homophobic insult", which the disciplinary commission hearing accepted but felt the player should receive a six-match ban, which has been accepted by the midfielder and his club. He was also fined £1,500 and must attend a mandatory face-to-face education programme or face further suspension until it is completed. In its written reasons, the FA said Fletcher made his comment to an opponent who had made remarks about him and his family throughout the match. Fletcher's twin brother, Tyler, was also playing, while Darren was in the crowd. Fletcher, who made his Premier League debut against Aston Villa in December and has made three appearances for United's first team, told the FA he had been thrown to the floor and his Achilles had been stamped on by the same opponent earlier in the game. United said they have been working with Fletcher to "strengthen his understanding of discriminatory language and why it is harmful". They said he will continue to take part in club diversity programmes in addition to the training he has been told to do by the FA. United's official LGBTQ+ fans group Rainbow Devils said it welcomed Fletcher's apology and that "homophobic language has no place in football or society regardless of intention or connotation". "Words matter and words hurt," it said. Latest Manchester United news, analysis and fan views South Africa slump to 77-5 against New Zealand in T20 World Cup semi-final Fletcher banned for six games for homophobic slur Donald named Europe captain for third time The 1994 figure skating scandal that shocked the world The rebellious story of the 1993 feud in darts Get up close and personal with Africa's magnificent felines Discover the history of the telephone on its 150th anniversary Russell 'elite' and a 'leader' - now he may have car to challenge for title 'It's better to be chased' - the mentality of a title race Man Utd eye wingers, after getting rid under Amorim 'Same old story' for Slot as Wolves 'keep fighting' Is it time to trust South Africa as World Cup 'favourites'? Wolves score late winner to secure shock win against Liverpool. Video Wolves score late winner to secure shock win against Liverpool 'Fin stole my fly-half spot!' – Atkinson on England's new 10-12 combo How to follow the Premier League on the BBC this week Haaland? Kane? R9? Ranking the best centre-forwards this century Key areas for Scotland against champions France Should we have high hopes for Hamilton and Ferrari? F1 Q&A 'I cheated head-injury assessment to play on in 2017 Lions Test' Arsenal set-pieces: Too effective or too boring? Video Arsenal set-pieces: Too effective or too boring? 'I knew the risks, I'd do it again' - Moody opens up in new BBC documentary 'There were tears - but I had to peek behind curtain of head injuries in rugby' New era of Formula 1 - what is changing in 2026? Iran, the US, and a World Cup that starts in three months Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.