Southampton captain Jack Stephens has been given an additional two-match ban following his red card against Manchester United on September 14.
Stephens was dismissed for a dangerous tackle on United winger Alejandro Garnacho in the 79th minute with his side 2-0 down in a game they went on to lose 3-0.
After VAR confirmed Stuart Attwell’s original decision to show the defender the red card, Stephens used ‘abusive and insulting words’ towards the referee. He then used similar language to fourth official Gavin Ward on two occasions as he left the field.
An FA statement read: “Jack Stephens has been given a two-match suspension and £50,000 fine for misconduct during Southampton’s Premier League match on Saturday 14 September against Manchester United.
“The defender admitted that he used abusive and insulting words towards both the match referee and fourth official around the 79th minute after he had been sent off.”
Jack Stephens has been given a two-match suspension and £50,000 fine for misconduct during Southampton’s Premier League match on Saturday 14 September against Manchester United.
Full statement: https://t.co/Svc3yDhhzU pic.twitter.com/Li4ySmw60a
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) October 1, 2024
Stephens apologises
In the FA’s written reasons, Stephens apologised for his conduct.
He said: “I am well aware that what I said was completely unacceptable and below the standard of conduct expected of me. I am very embarrassed by my behaviour and want to apologise sincerely for it.
“I did something that I am very disappointed with myself for. I know the importance of accepting a referee’s decision but instead I spoke to him saying something that I would not normally say. I then used that language again to Mr Ward. This is not an excuse, but it was in the heat of the moment and I was not aggressive towards either of the officials and did not argue with them and left the pitch, returning only to pass on the captain’s…
Source link : https://www.101greatgoals.com/football/premier-league/stephens-handed-additional-ban-to-add-to-southampton-problems/
Author : Jon Fisher
Publish date : 2024-10-01 15:47:56
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