Trinity Sports Law barrister, Richard Stubbs acted for Manchester Football Association (FA) in successfully resisting the appeal of Bury FC against the sanction of a two match ground closure (with the club having to play two home matches behind closed doors) on the grounds that the sanction was excessive and the Disciplinary Commission had misdirected itself.
The FA has recently provided sanction guidelines at grassroots level that are expressly intended to ensure that acts of discrimination are removed from the game.
The sanction was imposed due to admitted discriminatory behaviour of Bury FC supporters at the home match against West Didsbury & Chorlton, which constituted an aggravated breach of Rule E21 of the FA Misconduct Rules.
The Disciplinary Commission's full Decision and Written Reasons can be found here.
Manchester FA's statement on the case can be found here, confirming that:
"Manchester FA will continue to work with Bury FC to address the serious issues that have been highlighted throughout this case as we strive for a game that is free from discrimination and welcoming For All."
Bury FC's statement in response to the dismissal of the appeal can be found here.