Barnet Manager Dean Brennan Charged with Sexism by FA
London,UK – Dean Brennan,manager of Barnet football Club,has become the first manager in the English Football League (EFL) to be charged by the Football Association (FA) with making sexist comments towards a match official. the charge stems from an alleged incident involving referee Melissa Dowle.
Brennan is accused of acting in an improper manner and/or using abusive and/or insulting words towards Dowle, with the FA specifically citing an aggravated breach relating to a reference to her gender. The case is notable for its rarity,as instances of alleged sexism within the professional game are uncommon and carry few precedents.
The FA’s action follows a similar case last summer involving Dorking Wanderers owner and manager Marc White, who received a six-match touchline ban for offensive remarks about women made on a podcast. White had stated, “More women refs now, so you have to pay a bit more respect, do you know what I mean? You have to pay a bit more respect, like help them park.”
The FA introduced a minimum five-match ban for proven cases of discrimination in 2013, increased to six matches in 2019, covering offenses involving racism, homophobia, or other discriminatory language. The sanction can be adjusted based on aggravating or mitigating factors.
The FA declined to comment on the Brennan case. Barnet Football Club has been approached for comment.
