Southampton captain Jack Stephens has been given an extra two-match ban following his pink card in opposition to Manchester United on September 14.
Stephens was dismissed for a harmful sort out on United winger Alejandro Garnacho within the 79th minute together with his facet 2-0 down in a recreation they went on to lose 3-0.
After VAR confirmed Stuart Attwell’s unique choice to indicate the defender the pink card, Stephens used ‘abusive and insulting phrases’ in direction of the referee. He then used comparable language to fourth official Gavin Ward on two events as he left the sphere.
An FA assertion learn: “Jack Stephens has been given a two-match suspension and £50,000 superb for misconduct throughout Southampton’s Premier League match on Saturday 14 September in opposition to Manchester United.
“The defender admitted that he used abusive and insulting phrases in direction of each the match referee and fourth official across the 79th minute after he had been despatched off.”
Jack Stephens has been given a two-match suspension and £50,000 superb for misconduct throughout Southampton’s Premier League match on Saturday 14 September in opposition to Manchester United.
Full assertion: https://t.co/Svc3yDhhzU pic.twitter.com/Li4ySmw60a
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) October 1, 2024
Stephens apologises
Within the FA’s written causes, Stephens apologised for his conduct.
He stated: “I’m nicely conscious that what I stated was fully unacceptable and beneath the usual of conduct anticipated of me. I’m very embarrassed by my behaviour and need to apologise sincerely for it.
“I did one thing that I’m very disillusioned with myself for. I do know the significance of accepting a referee’s choice however as a substitute I spoke to him saying one thing that I might not usually say. I then used that language once more to Mr Ward. This isn’t an excuse, however it was within the warmth of the second and I used to be not aggressive in direction of both of the officers and didn’t argue with them and left the pitch, returning solely to cross on the captain’s armband.
“I sincerely apologise to Mr Attwell and Mr Ward. I’ve written to them to supply a private apology to every of them. I understand how exhausting it’s to referee a match and the significance of respecting choices, to guard the integrity of the match and the security of the game that we play.
“I’ve already had a while to replicate on what occurred, and may have extra time over the approaching days. I do know the requirements of behaviour anticipated and why they’re mandatory and genuinely imagine within the significance of these requirements. I’m decided to not fall beneath these requirements once more.”
Stephens has already missed three video games as a result of suspension dished out for the sort out on Garnacho, in opposition to Everton, Ipswich and Bournemouth. He’ll now miss the video games with Arsenal and Leicester.
Extra woe for Martin
It’s one other blow for beleaguered Saints boss Russell Martin, whose facet had been crushed 3-1 at Bournemouth final night time as they accomplished a sixth recreation with out a win on their return to the highest flight.
Afterwards, Martin lashed out at his gamers, who trailed 3-0 at half-time earlier than a slight second-half enchancment.
“I’m so harm by the first-half efficiency after the primary aim – I didn’t recognise our crew,” he informed Sky Sports activities.
“Usually I’m happy with them for the braveness they present, however there was no aggression, no braveness, no depth to play. They had been in self-preservation mode on the pitch and the physique language I didn’t recognise.
“I didn’t recognise them and I didn’t prefer it one bit. Within the second half we confirmed loads of struggle and braveness however it was too late. It’s on me to offer them the instruments to come back again from a setback however we now have not realized from the Manchester United recreation two weeks in the past and that’s an issue.
“We had been tender. If you don’t run and struggle, make contact and take issues personally then it’s going to be an issue.”
