Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterFour Four TwoGet the FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member features.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.You are now subscribedYour newsletter sign-up was successfulWant to add more newsletters?Five times a weekFourFourTwo DailyFantastic football content straight to your inbox! From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterA Manchester United teenager has been banned for six matches after he was found to have used a 'homophobic insult' towards the referee during a match last year.Jack Fletcher, son of Under-18s coach and former Red Devils midfielder Darren Fletcher, was found guilty of breaching FA Rule E3 earlier this season."It is alleged that during the fixture, you acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words, contrary to FA Rule E3.1," an FA statement read. You may like Openly gay elite footballer labels former club 'homophobic' Manchester United youngster puts pressure on first-team trio Manchester United youth team player takes swipe at Ruben Amorim in social media post Man United youngster banned for several games after homophobic insult"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."Fletcher admitted the charge and has been handed a six-game suspension, as well as a �1,500 fine and an order to undergo education on the matter.Get VIP Manchester United tickets HERE with Seat Unique!Manchester United's hospitality offers comfortable, padded seating in the North West Quadrant. The package includes a concourse meal deal (hot food, drink, and snack) and the official matchday programme. Guests also receive a 10 per cent Megastore discount and non-matchday Museum entry, providing a great value, family-friendly match experience for home fans.View DealFletcher had opened the scoring in the EFL Trophy fixture versus Barnsley, which Manchester United's Under-21s went on to lose 5-2 after the teenager was sent off during the second half.According to the referee's report, Fletcher referred to the match official William Davis as a 'gay boy' and was expelled from the field.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Fletcher has released a statement, demonstrating his remorse over the incident: I am truly sorry for the offensive word that I used in the heat of the moment. 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 18-year-old midfielder has made three senior appearances for the Manchester United first-team this season, all of which came during the month of December.TOPICSManchester UnitedEFL TrophyJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
