Broadfoot banned for 10 games
KIRK BROADFOOT has been hit with a record 10-game FA ban for aiming sectarian abuse at West Brom winger James McClean. The Rotherham defender was found guilty of misconduct after an investigation into the incident, which happened in March when McClean was playing for Wigan. Fans complained about the comments, which they overheard during a row on the pitch when Broadfoot believed McClean had dived to win a free-kick. Broadfoot is Protestant while McClean is Catholic. The suspension is the longest handed out in English football for a verbal offence, surpassing
the eight-game punishment given to Luis Suarez for racially abusing Patrice Evra in 2011. The incident happened during Rotherham’s 2-1 home defeat by Wigan and, at the time, Broadfoot said of McClean’s alleged dive: ‘He’s cheating. That is cheating. I am nowhere near him and he’s diving.’ Supporters’ complaints sparked an FA probe. Broadfoot, a former Rangers player, is believed to have attended an FA tribunal with Rotherham officials. However, neither party could comment on the case because of a confidentiality agreement which is understood to have been enforced due to fears over the safety of those involved. Scotland international Broadfoot has also been fined £7,500 and ordered to complete an educational programme. McClean, born in Northern Ireland, is no stranger to religious-related controversy. The Republic of Ireland player sparked anger earlier this month by turning his back on the UK national anthem during West Bromwich’s preseason tour in America. McClean refused to face the flag of St George as he stood alongside his Albion team-mates ahead of the match against South Carolina’s Charleston Battery. His actions earned a reprimand from manager Tony Pulis, who said: ‘I had a chat with him and explained what we do as a football club and the way we are and I think he’s fine with everything. He’s got to turn towards the flag like everybody else has and he recognises that. He thought he was OK to close his eyes and put his head down in respect of both anthems. ‘Obviously there has been a stigma around him and he doesn’t need to start that up again. So, hopefully, we’ve nipped it in the bud.’ McClean, 26, also previously refused to wear a poppy on his kit in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday while playing for Wigan and Sunderland. His actions have sparked abuse and even death threats on social media and in a further twist, McClean risked antagonising the row by re-affirming his proud Irish roots and welcoming the news that Londonderry, his place of birth, could be returned to its former name Derry. The city’s name changed in 1613, but Sinn Fein are trying to change it back. He tweeted: ‘Training finished, gym finished, Derry’s officially getting its rightful name back, have a great day folks.’ The Broadfoot incident evokes memories of the feud between Suarez and Evra four years ago. The FA found the former Liverpool striker guilty of racially abusing the then Manchester United defender and the eightgame suspension was seen as lenient in some circles and Broadfoot’s 10-game ban raises further questions over the FA’s process. A statement on Broadfoot’s ban on the FA’s website read: ‘Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing, Rotherham United’s Kirk Broadfoot will serve an immediate 10-match suspension after a misconduct charge against him was found proven. ‘The charge was that during a league fixture between Rotherham and Wigan Athletic on March 14, 2015 Broadfoot used abusive and/or insulting words towards a member of the opposition. It was further alleged that the breach was an aggravated breach.’