By Chalien Dantes

Manchester United midfielder Jack Fletcher has been handed a six-match ban after admitting to using a homophobic slur during an EFL Trophy defeat to Barnsley in October.

The 18-year-old, who is the son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, was sent off in the 62nd minute of the 5-2 loss. At the time, the reason for the red card was unclear, but the Football Association later confirmed he had called an opponent a derogatory term.

Fletcher said he is deeply sorry for the word he used in the heat of the moment and accepts that the language was wrong. He told the FA the remark does not reflect his beliefs or values and explained that tensions had been high, with the same opponent allegedly making comments about him and his family throughout the match. Fletcher also said he had been fouled heavily earlier in the game.

A disciplinary commission accepted that he did not intend the phrase as a homophobic insult but ruled that the language warranted punishment. Along with the six-match suspension, Fletcher has been fined £1,500 and ordered to attend a face-to-face education programme. Failure to complete it could lead to further suspension.

Fletcher, who made his Premier League debut against Aston Villa in December and has since made three senior appearances, will also continue diversity training at Manchester United as the club works with him to better understand the harm caused by discriminatory language.