Jack Stephens: Southampton defender fined and banned for abusive language
Southampton captain Jack Stephens has been fined £50,000 and suspended for two additional games due to abusive language directed at officials during their Premier League match against Manchester United last month.
The English defender received a red card for a rash challenge on United winger Alejandro Garnacho in their 3-0 loss at the St. Mary’s Stadium on September 14.
Following his ejection from the game, the 30-year-old exchanged words with referee Stuart Attwell, prompting the official to file an extraordinary incident report.
The Football Association (FA) confirmed that Stephens admitted to using abusive language towards the referee and fourth official in the 79th minute with the sanction imposed by an independent regulatory commission.
“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,” the FA said in a statement.
“An independent Regulatory Commission imposed these sanctions, and its written reasons can be seen below.”
The former Bournemouth defender will miss the Saints’ upcoming matches – a visit to Arsenal and a home match against Leicester City. This adds to the three-game suspension he already served for the red card (missing games against Ipswich Town, Everton, and Bournemouth).
Southampton are currently 19th in the Premier League standings with one point and have yet to win a match this season following Monday’s defeat to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
