York City goalkeeper gets five-match ban after FA find him guilty of racial abuse
York City’s goalkeeper has been hit with a five-match ban and a fine by the Football Association.
Scott Flinders has been suspended, with immediate effect, from all domestic club football for five first team competitive fixtures, it was revealed on Tuesday (August 23).
The decision follows a disciplinary hearing in which Flinders was charged with racial abuse.
The charge, investigated at an FA hearing on August 22, was that Flinders “used abusive and/or insulting words”, and further that this was an “aggravated breach” of the rules “as it included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race”.
This was said to have happened in about the 71st minute of the game away to AFC Wimbledon on March 19, when City were still playing in League 2.
The player had denied the allegation and requested a personal hearing. But, the FA said in a statement, the charge was “found proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission”.
Flinders was also fined £1,250, warned as to his future conduct and must compete an education course within four months.
Following the decision York City FC confirmed that the club “has suspended Scott Flinders with immediate effect”.
In a statement, City added:
No further statement will be made by the club at this time.
Scott Flinders has been York City’s first-choice keeper after signing a one-year contract from Hartlepool United in June 2015. City opted to extend his contract for 2016-17.