Jack Stephens banned for ‘f------ little c---’ jibe to official against Manchester United

Southampton’s Jack Stephens has been handed an additional two-match ban and fined £50,000 for calling an official a “f------ little c---” after being sent off against Manchester United.

Referee Stuart Atwell sent Stephens off 79 minutes into Southampton’s 3-0 defeat by Manchester United for a foul on Alejandro Garnacho.

Stephens, 30, was banned for three matches for the foul but was also charged with misconduct for directing insulting and abusive language towards the officials following his dismissal.

At a disciplinary hearing, Stephens admitted to swearing at fourth official Gavin Ward as well as referee Atwell as he departed the pitch.

Ward testified that Stephens called him a “f------ little c---” and Atwell added that he was called a “c---” after being shown the red.

Stephens issued an apology at the commission after he requested a personal hearing.

“I am well aware that what I said was completely unacceptable and below the standard of conduct expected of me,” Stephens said.

“I am very embarrassed by my behaviour and want to apologise sincerely for it. I would hope that I can have the opportunity to give a personal apology for this situation, to explain to you that this is out of character for me and to answer any questions that you want to ask me, before you consider the consequences for me.

“When the decision was confirmed I was upset. I did something that I am very disappointed with myself for. I know the importance of accepting a referee’s decision but instead I spoke to him saying something that I would not normally say. I then used that language again to Mr Ward.

“This is not an excuse, but it was in the heat of the moment and I was not aggressive towards either of the officials and did not argue with them and left the pitch, returning only to pass on the captain’s armband.”

Stephens missed matches against Everton, Ipswich and Bournemouth as a result of the red card and will now miss Southampton’s matches against Arsenal and Leicester.