Man Utd's Jack Fletcher apologises for homophobic slur used in youth match

[p]The ‌son of former [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/manchester-united/ppjDR086/"]United[/a] midfielder Darren ‌Fletcher was playing for the club's Under-21 side against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/barnsley/UNGEKMx6/"]‌Barnsley[/a] in the EFL Trophy in October ‌when he allegedly called an opponent "gay boy".[/p][p]The FA charged Fletcher with misconduct, adding that the offence constituted ‌an "aggravated breach". The 18-year-old admitted the ⁠charge and was ‌handed a six-match suspension plus a 1,500 pounds ($2,000) ​fine.[/p][p][b]"I am truly sorry for the offensive word that I used in the ​heat of the moment," [/b]Fletcher said in a statement.[/p][p][b]"Despite the fact that I had no ⁠intention to use ​the term as a homophobic insult, I completely understand that such language is unacceptable and immediately apologised after the game.[/b][/p][p][b]"I want to be clear ‌that this momentary lapse of character absolutely does not reflect my beliefs or values."[/b][/p][embed guid="ea5ae905-8512-4078-bd0d-8f443a94b504" url="https://x.com/centredevils/status/2029150824979472582" social-type="twitter" /][p]Fletcher will continue participating in Academy diversity and inclusion programmes and will undergo educational training through the FA.[/p][p][b]Fletcher, who made his Premier League debut for United in a 2-1 defeat by [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/aston-villa/W00wmLO0/"]Aston Villa[/a] in December, has made three substitute ‌appearances for the first team this season. ​His twin brother Tyler also plays for ‌the Old Trafford club.[/b][/p][p]Darren Fletcher was appointed United's interim manager following the sacking of Ruben Amorim in January and led them in two matches before returning to his role ⁠as the club's ⁠Under-18 coach.[/p]