Manchester United's 18-year-old midfielder Jack Fletcher was suspended six games and fined £1,500 for using a homophobic slur during a match in October 2025.

Manchester United midfielder Jack Fletcher, 18, has been suspended for six games and fined £1,500 after admitting to using a homophobic slur, “gay boy,” during an EFL Trophy match against Barnsley on October 21, 2025. The incident occurred in the 62nd minute, leading to a red card and a charge of an aggravated breach of FA rules due to the reference to sexual orientation. Fletcher apologized, stating he did not intend the comment as a slur but acknowledged the language was unacceptable. The FA imposed the standard minimum ban and required mandatory face-to-face education. Manchester United confirmed it has been supporting Fletcher through diversity and inclusion programs, and he has served three games of the suspension. The club emphasized its zero-tolerance stance on discrimination.