Barrow boss gets eight-game ban for ‘abusive’ words to female official

Cooper 'used abusive and/or insulting words' to Helen Edwards

Barrow manager Mark Cooper has been handed an eight-game touchline ban from the Football Association (FA) for comments he made to a female assistant referee. The FA says that Cooper "used abusive and/or insulting words" to Helen Edwards during Barrow's League Two game against Exeter in August 2021, which included a reference to her gender. The 53-year-old, who denied the allegations, has also been fined £3,000 for the incident.

A Barrow statement read.

"Mark is obviously disappointed by the decision," a club statement said.

"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."

Cooper received his marching orders by referee Andrew Kitchen for the alleged comments he made to Edwards in the 91st minute of the match on 17 August - which finished 0-0.

The former Forest Green Rovers manager will also be required to attend a face-to-face education course.

https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1494355023240773636

"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 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," an FA statement said.

"Mark Cooper denied these allegations but an independent Regulatory Commission subsequently found them to be proven."

The FA "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."

Barrow currently sits 20th in League Two, five points clear of the relegation zone. They face third-placed Exeter at St James Park on Saturday.