Manchester United youngster Jack Fletcher has apologised after being suspended by the Football Association for using homophobic language.
Fletcher was shown a straight red card after using the term “gayboy” towards an opponent while playing for United’s under-21s during the second half of a 5-2 defeat at Barnsley in the EFL Trophy in October.
A charge on the FA’s website says Fletcher was alleged to have committed an “aggravated breach” of Rule E3.1, using “abusive and/or insulting words” which included a reference to “sexual orientation”.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who is the son of United’s under-18s head coach Darren Fletcher, admitted to the charge ahead of a disciplinary hearing last month.
Fletcher was handed a four-match suspension, having already served a two-game ban in the autumn immediately following the red card, and has also received a £1,500 fine and been ordered to attend a mandatory face-to-face education programme.
In a statement on United’s official website, Fletcher apologised for his use of the language.
“I am truly sorry for the offensive word that I used in the heat of the moment,” he said.
“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.
“I want to be clear that this momentary lapse of character absolutely does not reflect my beliefs or values.”
The FA and the opponent involved both concluded that Fletcher had no intention to be homophobic, the report into the incident states.
The England under-19 international has already missed three of the four games for which he is banned, having not been included in United’s under-21s squads since 6 February.
In written submissions to the FA, United emphasised that Fletcher’s admission to the charge did not amount to an admission of him holding any prejudicial views.
Fletcher made three first team appearances for United under former head coach Ruben Amorim over the Christmas period, debuting in the 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa.
His twin brother, Tyler, has been included in matchday squads by Amorim’s successor Michael Carrick, coming on as a late substitute in the 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur last month.