Barrow manager Mark Cooper has been handed an eight-match touchline ban following an alleged outburst at the end of a home game with Exeter City early in the season.
Cooper, 53, who has also been fined £3,000, has been ordered to attend a face-to-face education course for a breach of FA Rule E3.
The FA say it was alleged that the manager used abusive and/or insulting words in the 91st minute, which are contrary to FA Rule E3.1, and that these words constitute an “aggravated breach”, as defined in FA Rule E3.2 as they included a reference, whether express or implied, to gender.
Cooper denied the allegations but an independent Regulatory Commission subsequently found them to be proven and imposed his sanctions, which remain subject to appeal, after reviewing the available evidence.
The Football Association say written reasons for their decisions will be published in due course.
Barrow have issued a statement, saying: “The club is aware of the decision made by the FA Regulatory Commission in the case of our manager, Mark Cooper.
“Mark is obviously disappointed by the decision. Neither he nor the club have yet received the reasons for the decision, which will be considered with a view to appeal in due course.”
Barrow still have 15 league games to play and ironically first up for the Bluebirds is a trip to Devon for the return game with Exeter. The home game, which resulted in the charge against Cooper, had finished 0-0.
