Gray gets four-game ban

ANDRE GRAY was last night given a four-match ban for homophobic abuse on social media.

The Burnley striker had been charged with bringing the game into disrepute by the FA. Gray called for gay people to ‘burn’ and ‘die’ and made a racist remark in six posts dating back to 2012 when he played for non-League Hinckley United.

The 25- year- old’s ban comes into play immediately, meaning he will miss Burnley’s Premier League clash with Watford at Turf Moor on Monday night and fixtures against Arsenal, Southampton and Everton. Gray, who insists he is a changed man, was also fined £25,000, warned about his future conduct and ordered to go on an education course.

The FA said he ‘admitted to three of the breaches and denied the remaining three were in breach of FA rules,’ adding: ‘ Following an independent regulatory commission hearing, the remaining three breaches were found proven.’

Burnley said in a statement: ‘Burnley Football Club and Gray accept the decision, which relates to historical posts made before Andre joined the club.

‘Gray himself regrets the posts and has pledged, in an apology, to continue to improve, both as a person and role model to others.

‘ We believe this charge, regarding historical social media posts, should now also serve as a warning to all professional footballers.’