Barnet manager Dean Brennan is facing a potential six-match touchline ban after becoming the first English Football League (EFL) boss to be charged by the Football Association for allegedly making sexist comments towards a match official.
The Alleged Incident and FA Charge
The charge relates to an incident during Barnet's League Two fixture against Shrewsbury Town in September. Brennan was sent off for dissent by referee Kirsty Dowle midway through the first half. It is understood that his dismissal triggered an angry response directed at the official.
Dowle subsequently recorded the remarks in her post-match report, which prompted an FA investigation. The governing body has now charged Brennan with an aggravated breach of FA Rule E3.1.
The FA alleges that Brennan acted in an improper manner and used abusive and/or insulting words towards the referee. The 'aggravated' element of the charge specifically relates to the comments making reference to Dowle's gender.
Precedents and Potential Sanctions
Cases of alleged sexism towards officials in football are rare. However, a recent precedent was set last year when Marc White, the owner-manager of Dorking Wanderers, received a six-match touchline ban for offensive remarks about women made on a podcast.
The FA introduced a minimum five-match suspension for proven discrimination cases in 2013, following the high-profile Luis Suárez and Patrice Evra racism case. This minimum tariff was increased to six matches in 2019 and applies to offences involving racism, homophobia, or any other discriminatory language or behaviour.
While six games is the baseline, the final sanction can be increased due to aggravating factors or potentially reduced if strong mitigation is presented.
What Happens Next?
Dean Brennan now has time to respond to the charge. If found guilty, he will be forced to watch from the stands for a significant portion of the season as Barnet adapt to life back in the EFL, having won promotion under his leadership last term.
Both the FA and Barnet Football Club have been approached for comment on the ongoing disciplinary matter.
