Overview
- The 18-year-old admitted using the phrase "gay boy" toward an opponent during an EFL Trophy match at Barnsley in October, which the referee overheard before issuing a straight red in a 5-2 defeat.
- The sanction comprises two games for the dismissal plus four for the aggravated breach, with only non-first-team fixtures counting; he has served three of the four non-first-team games.
- Fletcher was fined £1,500 and must complete a face-to-face FA education programme by June 2, 2026, with failure risking further suspension.
- He accepted the charge and apologised, saying he did not intend the remark to be homophobic; the FA panel and the opponent accepted the lack of intent but deemed the words derogatory, noting provocation and off-the-ball fouls.
- Manchester United said it has been educating Fletcher on discriminatory language and confirmed he will also take part in FA-organised training.