MANCHESTER United’s Jack Fletcher has apologised after using a homophobic slur against a Barnsley player earlier this season.
Fletcher, son of former Scotland international Darren Fletcher, was sent off in his side’s 5-2 EFL Trophy defeat earlier this season.
The Football Association has confirmed that the 18-year-old was sent off for calling an unnamed Barnsley player a ‘gay boy’.
He was handed a six-match ban, fined £1,500 and told to attend a mandatory face-to-face education programme.
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.
He has apologised and said: “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.”
