Manchester United midfielder Jack Fletcher has been handed a six match suspension and fined £1,500 after using a homophobic slur during a match against Barnsley FC.
The incident occurred in October during an EFL Trophy fixture at Oakwell, where United’s Under 21 side suffered a 5-2 defeat. In the 62nd minute, the 18 year old was reported by referee Will Davis to have called an opposing player a “gay boy.” Fletcher was subsequently shown a red card.
Fletcher admitted the charge, while both the Barnsley player involved and the FA regulatory commission accepted that he did not intend the remark to be deliberately homophobic. In mitigation, the commission acknowledged that Fletcher had been subjected to verbal abuse during the match, including comments about his twin brother, Tyler, and his father, Darren Fletcher, the former United midfielder and coach.
According to the findings, Fletcher reacted in frustration, questioning why his opponent was speaking about his family before making the offensive remark.
On Wednesday, Fletcher issued a public apology.
“I am truly sorry for the offensive word that I used in the heat of the moment,” he said. “Despite having no intention to use the term as a homophobic insult, I completely understand that such language is unacceptable and I apologised immediately after the game. This lapse does not reflect my beliefs or values.”
In a statement, Manchester United said the club had worked with the player to reinforce his understanding of discriminatory language and its impact. In addition to the academy’s regular diversity and inclusion programmes, Fletcher will also undertake further educational training organised by the Football Association.
Fletcher had already served a two match suspension immediately following the red card and will now miss an additional four non first-team competitive fixtures. The final match of the ban falls on Friday, after which he will be eligible for domestic selection again.
The midfielder made his senior debut in December, coming off the bench in a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa. He has since made two further substitute appearances, against Newcastle and Wolves.
His father, Darren Fletcher, briefly served as Manchester United’s interim manager for two matches in January following Ruben Amorim’s departure and has since returned to his role with the club’s Under 18 side.
