Southampton captain Jack Stephens has been given an extra two-match ban following his crimson card towards 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 aspect 2-0 down in a recreation they went on to lose 3-0.
After VAR confirmed Stuart Attwell’s authentic choice to point out the defender the crimson card, Stephens used ‘abusive and insulting phrases’ in the direction of the referee. He then used related 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 advantageous for misconduct throughout Southampton’s Premier League match on Saturday 14 September towards Manchester United.
“The defender admitted that he used abusive and insulting phrases in the 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 advantageous for misconduct throughout Southampton’s Premier League match on Saturday 14 September towards Manchester United.
Full assertion: pic.twitter.com/Li4ySmw60a
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) October 1, 2024
Stephens apologises
Within the FA’s written causes, Stephens apologised for his conduct.
He mentioned: “I’m nicely conscious that what I mentioned was fully unacceptable and under the usual of conduct anticipated of me. I’m very embarrassed by my behaviour and wish to apologise sincerely for it.
“I did one thing that I’m very upset with myself for. I do know the significance of accepting a referee’s choice however as an alternative I spoke to him saying one thing that I’d not usually say. I then used that language once more to Mr Ward. This isn’t an excuse, nevertheless it was within the warmth of the second and I used to be not aggressive in the 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 arduous it’s to referee a match and the significance of respecting selections, to guard the integrity of the match and the protection of the game that we play.
“I’ve already had a while to mirror on what occurred, and may have extra time over the approaching days. I do know the requirements of behaviour anticipated and why they’re needed and genuinely imagine within the significance of these requirements. I’m decided to not fall under these requirements once more.”
Stephens has already missed three video games because of the suspension dished out for the sort out on Garnacho, towards 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 aspect had been overwhelmed 3-1 at Bournemouth final night time as they accomplished a sixth recreation and not using 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 objective – I didn’t recognise our workforce,” he advised 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 quite a lot of battle and braveness nevertheless it was too late. It’s on me to present them the instruments to return again from a setback however we’ve not discovered from the Manchester United recreation two weeks in the past and that’s an issue.
“We had been mushy. If you don’t run and battle, make contact and take issues personally then it’s going to be an issue.”
