Southampton defender Jack Stephens has been charged by the FA for using ‘abusive and/or offensive words’ during Manchester United’s 3-0 win.
The Reds had been on the back foot for the opening 30 minutes, but the game changed after Cameron Archer saw his penalty easily saved by Andre Onana. From there, United kicked into gear and went ahead five minutes later thanks to Matthijs de Ligt’s header.
Marcus Rashford made it 2-0 before the interval, which would basically end the match as a contest. Approximately ten minutes before Alejandro Garnacho netted the third, he was on the receiving end of a dismal challenge by Stephens, which resulted in the centre-back getting a red card.
However, the suspension for the straight red card is unlikely to be the only punishment he gets. In a statement released on Monday afternoon, the FA stated they had charged the 30-year-old further for his actions on the pitch.
“Jack Stephens has been charged with misconduct following Southampton’s Premier League match against Manchester United on Saturday, September 14,” the post read. “It’s claimed the defender used abusive and/or offensive words towards both the match referee and fourth official around the 79th minute after he had been sent off.
“Jack Stephens has until Thursday, September 19 to provide a response.” It is likely Stephens’ outburst came as a result of being sent off but according to former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher, match official Stuart Attwell made the right choice on the day.
“I don’t mind a ref taking time,” he told Sky Sports’ Ref Watch. “I watched it live and thought it was yellow, watched the replay and thought the judge was absolutely right. Credit to the referee.”
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