Rochdale’s head groundsman Joshua Haigh has been suspended for six weeks by the FA for racist abuse towards a broadcaster earlier this year.
The incident took place on February 21 when Rochdale played Stockport County in League Two.
Haigh, who had denied the charges against him, was found guilty of a “major breach” of FA rule E3 because his conduct contained a reference – express or implied – to race and/or colour.
An FA statement said: “Rochdale’s head groundsman, Joshua Haigh, has been punished for breaching FA Rule E3 during their EFL League Two match against Stockport County on Tuesday, February 21.
“It was alleged that his behavior towards a member of the media during the game was insulting and/or insulting and/or inappropriate, in breach of Rule E3.1. It was further claimed that this constituted a “major offence” as defined in FA Rule E3.2 because it contained a reference – express or implied – to race and/or colour.
“Joshua Haigh denied the charges against him, but after a subsequent hearing they were found proven by an independent regulatory commission.
“The Regulatory Commission has imposed a suspension from all football and soccer-related activities for six weeks, including a suspension from the ground/stadium for the matchday of each Rochdale match during that time, face-to-face education and a warning about his future. behaviour.”