Barnet Manager Dean Brennan Receives Nine-Match Touchline Ban for Sexist Comments
Barnet manager Dean Brennan has been handed a significant nine-match touchline ban by the Football Association after an independent regulatory commission found him guilty of making sexist comments towards referee Kirsty Dowle. The incident occurred during a League Two match this season, specifically in Barnet's defeat by Shrewsbury in September.
Details of the FA Charge and Sanctions
In December, it was revealed that Brennan faced an aggravated breach of FA rule E3.1 for allegedly making offensive remarks to Dowle. Despite Brennan denying the charge, the commission found it proven, leading to the imposition of the nine-match ban. In addition to the touchline suspension, Brennan must pay a £2,000 fine and complete a mandatory education programme as part of the sanctions.
The FA stated that Brennan "acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official" and that his comments "included a reference – whether express or implied – to gender". This case marks Brennan as the first manager in English football to be banned specifically for making sexist comments towards a referee.
Historical Context and Previous Cases
This incident follows a similar case in 2022 when Barrow manager Mark Cooper received an eight-game touchline ban for using abusive and insulting words towards assistant referee Helen Edwards, which included a reference to her gender. The FA has been actively enforcing stricter penalties for discriminatory behaviour in football.
In 2013, the FA introduced a minimum five-match ban for proven cases of discrimination, such as the Luis Suárez and Patrice Evra racism case. This tariff was increased to six games in 2019 and applies to offences involving racism, homophobia, or any other form of discriminatory language. Bans can be increased based on aggravating factors or reduced with strong mitigating circumstances.
Brennan's Response and the Match Incident
During the Shrewsbury match, Brennan was sent off by Dowle for dissent midway through the first half, which triggered an angry response from the manager. In a statement, Brennan said, "Throughout this case I have categorically denied the FA charge of discrimination. Whilst the panel have come to their conclusion, which I have to respect, I do not agree with their decision. There is a place in football for everyone, it's the greatest sport on the planet."
The FA's decision underscores its commitment to tackling discrimination in football, with this case serving as a stark reminder of the consequences for inappropriate conduct towards officials.
