Mark Cooper has been fined by the Football Association today for an “aggravated breach” in a match between his current team AFC Barrow and Exeter City earlier this season.
Cooper has also been handed fine of £3,000 and is ordered to attend a face-to-face education course due to his comments during the match on August 17th. The game ended 0-0.
In an official statement on the FA website reads: “It was alleged that the manager used abusive and/or insulting words in the 91st minute, which are contrary to FA Rule E3.1, and that these words constitute an “aggravated breach”, as defined in FA Rule E3.2 as they included a reference, whether express or implied, to gender.”
The 54-year-old has denied the allegations but an independent Regulatory Commission subsequently found them to be proven and imposed his sanctions, which remain subject to appeal, after reviewing the available evidence.
AFC Barrow have released a statement on their website saying: “Mark is obviously disappointed by the decision. Neither he nor the Club have yet received the reasons for the decision, which will be considered with a view to appeal in due course.”
Managing Rovers from 2016-2019 Cooper guided the Nailsworth team to promotion to the EFL for the first time in the clubs history in 2017, when they beat Tranmere Rovers 3-1 at Wembley.
Cooper also played for Forest Green between 2001-2002, playing 48 games, scoring 18 goals.
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