Manager hit with eight-game touchline ban for comments made to female official

Barrow manager Mark Cooper has been hit with an eight-game touchline ban for comments that he made to a female assistant referee.

The FA have deemed Cooper to be in breach of rule E3 after he was found to have referenced Helen Edwards' gender in an exchange during a League Two fixture.

The incident took place in the 91st minute of the Bluebirds' 0-0 draw at home to Exeter City in August when Cooper was sent off by referee Andrew Kitchen for apparent comments made to his colleague, Edwards.

The Barrow boss has denied the allegations since but an independent regulatory commission found them to be proven.

On top of the hefty ban, Cooper was also fined £3,000 and ordered to attend a face-to-face education course.

The 53-year-old has a right to appeal, something which the Bluebirds are considering.

"Mark is obviously disappointed by the decision," Barrow said. "Neither he nor the club have yet received the reasons for the decision, which will be considered with a view to appeal in due course."

An FA statement read: "It was alleged that the manager used abusive and/or insulting words in the 91st minute, which are contrary to FA Rule E3.1, and that these words constitute an 'aggravated breach', as defined in FA Rule E3.2 as they included a reference, whether express or implied, to gender."

Cooper's ban comes after Barrow partnered with 'Her Game Too' earlier this month.

The anti-sexism in football campaign, launched in May 2021, has garnered support from clubs across the country and received widespread support on social media.

"Sexist abuse or harassment will not be tolerated at Barrow AFC and, by working closely with the Her Game Too campaign, we hope to create a safe environment at The Dunes Hotel Stadium for all supporters," explained Barrow's General Manager Alisha Henry when the club joined the campaign.

"Although big strides have been made in recent years, I think we have to acknowledge that more work needs to be done to ensure more women and girls can safely and confidently enjoy watching and playing football.

"Here at Barrow, we are totally committed to ensuring that we have an inclusive and welcoming environment where everybody can enjoy watching the sport we love."

Cooper's absence adds to relegation fears at the Cumbrian club, who sit five points above the League Two drop zone with 15 games remaining.

Barrow returned to the Football League after a 48-year absence in 2020, before former manager Ian Evatt left for Bolton Wanderers.

Tipped to push for the play-offs after a summer which saw them sign a host of highly-rated players, the Holker Street faithful are continuing to endure a difficult campaign.