India, March 5 -- Manchester United midfielder Jack Fletcher has been suspended for six matches after using discriminatory language against Barnsley in October during an EFL Trophy game. The 18-year-old midfielder accepted the FA charge for breaching rules, as he 'used insulting words including a reference, whether express or implied, to sexual orientation.'

He allegedly told an opponent, "You see to know a lot about me, are you a gay boy?"

The referee was positioned near and heard the comment during the verbal exchange. Fletcher was shown a straight red card.

In a statement, Fletcher apologised. "I am truly sorry for the offensive word that I used in the heat of the moment. Despite the fact that I had no intention to use the term as a...