League Two defender handed seven-match ban after homophobic comment to opponent

Walsall's Manny Monthe has been slapped with a seven-game ban after making a homophobic comment during a game.

The defender was found to have used "language that included a reference, whether express or implied, to sexual orientation".

The incident occurred when Monthe was playing for previous club Tranmere Rovers in a League Two game against Forest Green Rovers on May 1 this year.

He was found to have used 'abusive and/or insulting language' during the ninth minute of the game. Monthe, who denied the charge, was also handed a fine of £1,200.

The 26-year-old, who has featured 23 times for the Saddlers since joining them on a two-year contract in the summer, will now miss Walsall's entire batch of games in January.

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He has also been ordered to complete a mandatory education programme.

A statement from the FA said: "Emmanuel Monthe has been suspended for Walsall FC's next seven matches, fined £1,200 and ordered to complete a mandatory education programme for a breach of FA Rule E3.2 that occurred while he was playing for Tranmere Rovers FC in an EFL League Two match against Forest Green Rovers FC on Saturday 1 May 2021.

"The FA charged the defender for allegedly using abusive and/or insulting words towards a Forest Green Rovers FC player in the ninth minute of this match, which is contrary to FA Rule E3.1, and also alleged that this constitutes an "aggravated breach", as defined in FA Rule E3.2, because it included a reference to sexual orientation.

"Emmanuel Monthe denied the charge but an independent Regulatory Commission found it to be proven and imposed these sanctions during a subsequent hearing. The written reasons for these decisions will be published in due course."

Monthe was initially charged by the FA for alleged homophobic abuse back in October.

In a statement at the time, Walsall said: "The alleged incident took place during Manny's time at Tranmere Rovers; prior to his arrival at the Banks's Stadium in July 2021.

"Monthe vehemently denies the allegations and is looking forward to cooperating fully with the FA in order to clear his name as quickly as possible by following the correct process."

Meanwhile, Walsall's proposed League Two game away at Swindon Town on Saturday has been called off due to a number of positive COVID-19 cases in the Robins' squad.