Football
Southampton Defender Hit With Huge Fine And Further Two-Game Ban After Manchester United Red Card
Ben Horlock is a sports news and features writer who holds a degree in sports journalism (BA Hons) from Southampton Solent University. Ben has been published across a wide variety of news outlets and websites including HITC, 90min, GiveMeSport, Betfair and Zoo Magazine. As well, Ben has worked in social media for four years in the sports gambling industry. For his sins, Ben is a QPR fan and is a keen follower of all the major European football leagues.
Get to know Ben Horlock betterPublished01 Oct 2024
Southampton stalwart Jack Stephens has been hit with a hefty fine and further two-match suspension for misconduct during September’s clash with Manchester United.
The 30-year-old was sent off for a knee-high challenge on United’s Alejandro Garnacho during the 3-0 defeat at St Mary’s. He was given a straight red by referee Stuart Attwell.
Stephens was furious with the decision. He let his feelings known to Attwell which proved the catalyst for further punishment.
This saw Attwell and assistant Gavin Ward deliver an astonishing match report after the conclusion of the game. Therefore, leading to Stephens’ heightened punishment.
Jack Stephens Fine And Further Two-Match Suspension
The red card shown to Jack Stephens against Manchester United meant the defender miss two Premier League games as well as the Carabao Cup tie against Everton.
In the top-flight, Stephens was absent for the draw with Ipswich Town as well as the 3-1 defeat to neighbours Bournemouth. Now, he will miss the fixtures against Arsenal and Leicester City.
Most notably, Stephens has been slapped with a huge £50,000 fine for his actions. Something of which the defender has requested a personal hearing to oversee his case.
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
Official Statement Released By The FA
“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 FA statement said.
“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.”
Stephens later came out and apologised for his actions. The defender also highlighted his regret at the choice words used towards the match officials.
“I am well aware that what I said was completely unacceptable and below the standard of conduct expected of me. I’m very embarrassed by my behaviour and want to apologise sincerely for it.
“I know the importance of accepting a referee’s decision. Instead, I spoke to him saying something that I would not normally say. I then used that language again to Mr Ward.
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