Barnet manager Dean Brennan has received a nine-match touchline ban, a £2,000 fine and a mandatory education programme following a charge under FA Rule E3 relating to his side’s League Two fixture against Shrewsbury Town on 6 September.
The Football Association alleged Brennan “acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official” and that his comments “included a reference – whether express or implied – to gender”. The charge related to remarks made towards referee Kirsty Dowle during Barnet’s defeat.
Brennan denied the allegation, and in his response has said while he repsects the outcome, he does not agree with it. Still, an independent regulatory commission found it proven and imposed the sanctions. He becomes the first manager in English football to receive a ban specifically for sexist comments towards a referee.
In a statement released by the club, Barnet confirmed the outcome and reiterated their backing for their manager.
“Dean Brennan has been given a nine-match touchline suspension, mandatory education and a £2,000 fine following a charge under FA Rule E3 at Barnet FC’s EFL League Two fixture against Shrewsbury Town on Saturday 6 September.
“Dean Brennan denied the charge but an independent Regulatory Commission imposed the sanctions following a hearing.”
The club added that it acknowledges the written reasons published by the FA and will continue to support Brennan moving forward once the full case file is released.
Brennan himself issued an extensive personal statement following the decision.
“Throughout this case I have categorically denied the FA charge of discrimination.
“Whilst the panel have come to their conclusion, which I have to respect, I do not agree with their decision.
“There is a place in football for everyone, it’s the greatest sport on the planet.”
He continued by reflecting on what the game has given him personally and professionally.
“Personally, football has given me everything I have today; I owe football everything.
“It enabled me to meet my wife and create our family and friends.
“This made me the person I am today, whilst staying true to my Irish heritage, of which I am extremely proud.”
Brennan also thanked Lindsay Gordon at the League Managers Association, his legal representative Craig Harris, Barnet’s staff, chairman and ownership group, as well as his family for their support throughout the process, concluding with the message:
“Live for today, learn from yesterday, look forward to tomorrow. God Bless.”
The FA introduced minimum bans for proven discriminatory offences in 2013, with sanctions able to increase depending on aggravating factors. In this case, the independent panel determined a nine-match suspension was appropriate.
This is a significant moment for League Two and beyond. The FA has clearly signalled that discriminatory language towards officials, whether explicit or implied, will bring serious consequences, and a nine-game ban is not symbolic; it is substantial.
Brennan maintains his innocence, and Barnet are standing by him, but the size of the sanction underlines how firmly the authorities intend to police conduct towards match officials going forward.