Troy Deeney is handed a FOUR-game touchline ban and £1,500 fine for verbally abusing an official after his red card in Forest Green’s defeat to Swindon
Troy Deeney has been handed a four-match sideline ban as his spell as manager of Forest Green Rovers took its latest negative turn.
The former Watford striker has made headlines for criticizing his players in the press during his short time in charge of the club, with his side picking up just three points in six games.
The 35-year-old was promoted from coach to manager when David Horseman was sacked in December as the club struggled in League Two, but has so far failed to transform their fortunes.
Towards the end of his side’s 2–1 defeat to Swindon on 29 December, Deeney was sent from his dugout by referee Scott Simpson for using language that was ‘inappropriate and/or insulting and/or insulting and/or threatening’.
He has now been charged by the FA, with a four-match ban on the way – as well as a £1,500 fine – meaning he will miss games against Gillingham, Colchester, Accrington and Mansfield.
Troy Deeney has been handed a four-match sideline ban after being sent off against Swindon
The Forest Green Rovers manager’s ban was revealed in a Regulation and Discipline update
Deeney, whose Forest Green side are currently bottom of the League Two table, has also been fined £1,500.
“Forest Green Rovers manager Troy Deeney has been banned from the sidelines for four matches and fined £1,500 following the EFL League Two match against Swindon Town on Friday 29 December 2023,” an FA Regulation and Discipline update said.
‘It was alleged that his behavior and language leading to his dismissal during the 85th minute of the match was inappropriate and/or insulting and/or insulting and/or threatening. It was further alleged that his language towards a match official following his dismissal was inappropriate and/or insulting and/or insulting.
“The allegations were found proven and the sanctions were imposed by an independent regulatory commission.”
Deeney has launched a series of attacks on his players after being appointed manager
There were positive signs when Deeney picked up a point against the Gills in his first game on December 22, but things have not improved since. His side have conceded 11 goals in the five games since, losing to Newport, Swindon and Harrogate Town.
After a draw against fellow strugglers Salford, a match that saw two red cards, Deeney singled out his players for criticism despite insisting he would take the blame for the result.
He then targeted midfielder Fankaty Dabo after the defeat to Harrogate, before revealing that he had personally apologized to the player and that he was racially abused after the events.
He also promised to make changes ‘from top to bottom’ at the club, insisting there were ‘too many babies’ in his squad who ‘blame other people’ for their mistakes.