Reading FC’s assistant kit manager has been handed a six-match stadium ban following an alleged homophobic comment about a referee during a League One match, the Football Association has confirmed.
An independent commission found Richard Bone acted in an improper manner and used insulting and abusive language with an alleged implied reference to sexual orientation in a remark about referee Matt Corlett during August’s fixture between Reading and Huddersfield Town at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The FA said Bone will also pay a £200 fine and complete a mandatory education programme.
The alleged comment was made during the first half of the match and was overheard by fourth official Harrison Blair. It was later reported by Blair and Reading’s head safety steward David Parker, with Corlett informed of the matter at full-time.
Bone was allegedly heard commenting on Corlett: “He should be in the National League. He has sucked d*** to get to this level”.
Bone later admitted to making the alleged remark and accepted the FA charge on 17 December, expressing remorse. The commission described the incident as a “one-off” and said the offence fell towards the lower end of the sanctions guidelines, with the minimum six-game ban deemed appropriate.
The suspension began on 23 January, with the commission stating it reflected “the seriousness of the misconduct”.
Corlett has taken charge of 11 League One and three League Two fixtures this season and made his Championship debut in December.
