Southampton star’s full sweary tirade at Man United ref is REVEALED in FA documents, as he’s handed extra two-game ban for attack on TWO officials
- Southampton captain Jack Stephens was sent off in a 3–0 defeat to Man United
- He served a three-match suspension for red and now has to serve two more matches
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Southampton captain Jack Stephens will serve an additional two-match ban after already missing three games following his red card against Manchester United.
Stephens was sent off by referee Stuart Attwell for a dangerous challenge on Alejandro Garnacho in the 79th minute of his side’s 3-0 home defeat.
The 30-year-old was handed a three-match ban for that red card and has now been disciplined again for his ‘inappropriate behaviour’ after being dismissed.
He used abusive and insulting language towards referee Attwell and fourth official Gavin Ward.
Stephens said to Ward, “You damn little ****.” He then went back onto the playing field towards a group of his players.
Southampton captain Jack Stephens saw red after a foul on Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho
This high tackle on Garnacho was regarded by Stephens as a case of serious foul play
Stephens was later charged with improper conduct for his behavior after being sent off
Just before Stephens walked through the tunnel at St Mary’s, he abused Ward again, telling him: “You’re a bastard.”
A statement from the Football Association said on Tuesday: ‘Jack Stephens has been handed a two-match ban and a £50,000 fine for misconduct during Southampton’s Premier League match against Manchester United on Saturday 14 September.
‘The defender admitted using abusive and insulting words towards both the match referee and the fourth official around the 79th minute after being sent off.’
An accompanying document shared by the FA subsequently revealed exactly what Stephens had said.
Stephens had written in a letter to the FA Regulatory Commission: ‘I am fully aware that what I said was completely unacceptable and below the standard of behavior expected of me.
Stephens (right) insulted officials Stuart Attwell (left) and Gavin Ward (not in shot)
Ward, pictured refereeing a championship game on Saturday, was called a “****” by Stephens
‘I am very ashamed of my behavior and would like to sincerely apologize for it.’
Having already missed his team’s matches against Everton, Ipswich and Bournemouth, Stephens will now be unavailable for the upcoming clashes with Arsenal and Leicester.