Ryan Hamilton, the former manager of Sutton Coldfield Town Women, has been banned from all football-related activity for 12 years by the Football Association (FA) after sending indecent images of himself to players and a staff member. The ban follows an independent regulatory commission finding 23 of 24 charges of improper conduct proven.
Hamilton, who left his role in November 2024, sent photographs of his penis to a player and a staff member via social media, naked or partially naked images to two other players, and a video of himself masturbating to a player. The misconduct occurred between May 2022 and November 2024.
The commission noted that Hamilton showed 'no introspection, contrition or remorse' and that his behaviour would likely have continued had a player not instigated a complaint. He denied all charges but failed to fully engage with the FA investigation, terminating an interview early and not providing phone material.
In its written ruling, the commission stated: 'Women should be able to participate in football without being subjected to the sort of behaviour Mr Hamilton exhibited towards them. Women’s football is prospering, and for it to continue to flourish, a clear message needs to be sent that the sort of misconduct Mr Hamilton committed will not be tolerated.'
The commission also expressed sadness that one victim appeared to blame herself and that complainants feared repercussions on their selection chances. Hamilton's verbally aggressive management style was noted but not part of the charges.
