Jack Stephens Given Further Ban And Fine

After his initial 3 match ban for being sent off against Manchester United ended with the trip to Bournemouth on Monday night, comes the news that Southampton Captain Jack Stephens will have to serve a bit more time out yet.

If Russell Martin was thinking that all his problems would be solved after Jack Stephens completed his three match ban on Monday night, there comes the news that he has been given further punishment.

The Daily Echo is reporting that Captain Jack has been banned for a further two games and also given a £50,000 fine for incidents occurring as he was sent off in the defeat to Manchester United.

Referee Stuart Atwell and fourth official Gavin Ward both filed an extraordinary incident report form to the FA following the interaction and Stephens will now also miss the trip to Arsenal & the home game against Leicester City.

An FA statement said:

"The defender admitted that he used abusive and insulting words towards both the match referee and fourth official around the 79th minute."

Stephens requested a personal hearing to oversee his case and hear his apology, as well as admitting his use of insulting and abusive language.

Stephens said: "I am well aware that what I said was completely unacceptable and below the standard of conduct expected of me.

"I am very embarrassed by my behaviour and want to apologise sincerely for it... I know the importance of accepting a referee's decision.

"Instead, I spoke to him saying something that I would not normally say. I then used that language again to Mr Ward.

"This is not an excuse, but it was in the heat of the moment... I sincerely apologise to Mr Atwell and Mr Ward."

The FA report also indicated that the commission had initially recommended a four-match ban, which was mitigated in part due to his prior clean misconduct record.

This news will be greeted with a mixed reaction by the Southampton fanbase with some uncharitably feeling that this is a help to the cause rather than a hindrance, however as much as I feel that Russell martin has played Jack Stephens when he did not deserve to be in the team , it gives me no pleasure to see him get a further suspension.

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