Footballer handed one-match ban after calling Chelsea players ‘faggots’

A Coventry City footballer has been handed a one-match ban after he referred to the Chelsea and Tottenham teams as as a “bunch of faggots”.

25-year-old Chris Stokes plays as a defender for League One club Coventry City, in the third tier of English football.

While watching the Premiership match between Chelsea and Tottenham last month, Stokes tweeted: “This games [sic] embarrassing to watch! Bunch of faggots”.

After the comment provoked an angry response he deleted the message and attempted to apologise – claiming he didn’t know the word faggot was offensive.

He tweeted: “I’d like to apologise for a term used in an earlier tweet. I didn’t realise what the term meant and was shocked when people pointed it out.”

“It’s unacceptable and it won’t happen again, I am very sorry if I’ve caused offence to anyone.”

However, Stokes was today handed a one-match ban and £1000 fine by the Football Association.

Stokes admitted breaching FA rules relating to the use of social media, and will attend an FA education course  – and is on a conduct warning.

A statement from CCFC confirmed: “After an internal club and FA investigation, Coventry City defender Chris Stokes will receive a one match suspension and ordered to attend an FA education course after he admitted breaching FA Rules which relate to the use of social media.

“Coventry City FC expect the highest level of professionalism from our players as we’re a family club and we want our players to act as role models in the Coventry and Warwickshire community.

“Stokes has received training from representatives from Kick It Out and Coventry City FC will continue to work alongside all members of the club to ensure they are versed in proper conduct.”

The club said previously: “The club would like to stress that it is completely unacceptable for any of our players or staff to express such remarks at any time.

“Coventry City FC expect the highest level of professionalism from our players as we’re a family club and we want our players to act as role models in the Coventry and Warwickshire community.

“We will work with organisations such as Kick it Out and Football v Homophobia to help educate Chris and the squad on why this term is unacceptable to make sure this doesn’t happen again in the future.”

Stokes said in a statement released by the club: “I’d like to apologise for any offence I’ve caused.

“It was a brainless moment from me and I’m really disappointed in myself for using that term, I’m not homophobic at all.

“However, I know it is not acceptable by any means and I’m really sorry to any of our supporters or anyone in the wider public who have been offended by the remark.”

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