Manchester United midfielder Jack Fletcher has apologised after receiving a six-match ban for using a homophobic slur during an EFL Trophy match against Barnsley.
The 18-year-old, son of former United player Darren Fletcher, was sent off in October for calling an opponent “gay boy”. The Football Association confirmed the reason for the red card and handed him a six-game suspension, a £1,500 fine, and ordered him to attend an education programme.
Fletcher said he was “truly sorry” and accepted the punishment, adding that the comment does not reflect his beliefs. Manchester United said they are supporting him through further diversity education, while the club’s LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, Rainbow Devils, welcomed his apology and stressed that such language has no place in football.
