Barnet manager Dean Brennan has been given a nine-game ban for verbally abusing a female referee and making reference to her gender. The 45-year-old denied the charge at a hearing but an independent commission found otherwise and issued the suspension as well as a £2,000 fine and mandatory education course. "Throughout this case I have categorically denied the FA charge of discrimination," Brennan said in a statement. "Whilst the panel have come to their conclusion, which I have to respect, I do not agree with their decision." The FA said the written reasons in the case and the decision would be published in due course.

Source: BBC February 12, 2026 17:08 UTC