Mark Cooper, the head coach of EFL League Two side [English fourth-tier league] Barrow, has been handed an eight-match ban, after it was established that he made a discriminatory statement during a spat with female assistant referee, Helen Edwards .
According to Sports.com, the incident happened during Barrow’s Sky Bet League Two fixture with Exeter on August 17 2021.
Cooper was consequently sent off by referee Andrew Kitchen for his remarks on Helen Edwards.
Cooper refuted the allegations, but an Independent Regulator Commission found them to be proven, and handed the coach an eight-match touchline ban, fined him 3000 pounds and ordered him to attend a face-to-face education course.
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An FA statement read, “It was alleged that the manager (Cooper) used abusive and/or insulting words in the 91st minute, which are contrary to FA Rule E3.1, and these words constitute an ‘aggravated breach’ as defined in FA Rule E3.2 as they included a reference, whether express or implied to gender.
“Mark Cooper denied these allegations but an Independent Regulator Commission subsequently found them to be proven and imposed his sanctions, which remain subject to appeal, after reviewing the available evidence.
“The written reasons for their decisions will be published in due course.
“The club is aware of the decision made by the FA Regulatory Commission in the case of our manager, Mark Cooper,” a statement on Barrow’s official website read.
“Mark is obviously disappointed with the decision.”
“Neither he nor our club have yet received the the reasons for the decision, which will be considered with a view to appeal in due course”
Barrow will travel to face Exeter for the reverse fixture on Saturday following their draw in August.
Barrow are currently 20th in League Two, with 31 goals in 31 games five points clear of the relegation zone.
