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Southampton captain Jack Stephens has been given an additional two-match ban following his red card against Manchester United on September 14.
Stephens was dismissed for a dangerous tackle on United winger Alejandro Garnacho in the 79th minute with his side 2-0 down in a game they went on to lose 3-0.
After VAR confirmed Stuart Attwell’s original decision to show the defender the red card, Stephens used ‘abusive and insulting words’ towards the referee. He then used similar language to fourth official Gavin Ward on two occasions as he left the field.
An FA statement read: “Jack Stephens has been given a two-match suspension and £50,000 fine for misconduct during Southampton’s Premier League match on Saturday 14 September against Manchester United.
“The defender admitted that he used abusive and insulting words towards both the match referee and fourth official around the 79th minute after he had been sent off.”
Jack Stephens has been given a two-match suspension and £50,000 fine for misconduct during Southampton’s Premier League match on Saturday 14 September against Manchester United.
Full statement: https://t.co/Svc3yDhhzU pic.twitter.com/Li4ySmw60a
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) October 1, 2024
Stephens apologises
In the FA’s written reasons, Stephens apologised for his conduct.
He said: “I am well aware that what I said was completely unacceptable and below the standard of conduct expected of me. I am very embarrassed by my behaviour and want to apologise sincerely for it.
“I did something that I am very disappointed with myself for. I know the importance of accepting a referee’s decision but instead I spoke to him saying something that I would not normally say. I then used that language again to Mr Ward. This is not an excuse, but it was in the heat of the moment and I was not aggressive towards either of the officials and did not argue with them and left the pitch, returning only to pass on the captain’s armband.
“I sincerely apologise to Mr Attwell and Mr Ward. I have written to them to offer a personal apology to each of them. I know how hard it is to referee a match and the importance of respecting decisions, to protect the integrity of the match and the safety of the sport that we play.
“I have already had some time to reflect on what happened, and will have more time over the coming days. I know the standards of behaviour expected and why they are necessary and genuinely believe in the importance of those standards. I am determined not to fall below these standards again.”
Stephens has already missed three games due to the suspension dished out for the tackle on Garnacho, against Everton, Ipswich and Bournemouth. He will now miss the games with Arsenal and Leicester.
More woe for Martin
It is another blow for beleaguered Saints boss Russell Martin, whose side were beaten 3-1 at Bournemouth last night as they completed a sixth game without a win on their return to the top flight.
Afterwards, Martin lashed out at his players, who trailed 3-0 at half-time before a slight second-half improvement.
“I’m so hurt by the first-half performance after the first goal – I didn’t recognise our team,” he told Sky Sports.
“Normally I’m proud of them for the courage they show, but there was no aggression, no courage, no intensity to play. They were in self-preservation mode on the pitch and the body language I didn’t recognise.
“I didn’t recognise them and I didn’t like it one bit. In the second half we showed a lot of fight and courage but it was too late. It’s on me to give them the tools to come back from a setback but we have not learned from the Manchester United game two weeks ago and that’s a problem.
“We were soft. If you do not run and fight, make contact and take things personally then it’s going to be a problem.”
