Manchester United ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at Southampton but for one player it was an afternoon he won’t want to remember in a hurry
Southampton defender Jack Stephens has been charged by the FA for using ‘abusive and/or offensive words’ during Manchester United’s 3-0 victory.
The Reds had been on the back foot for the opening 30 minutes, but the game changed after Cameron Archer saw his penalty comfortably 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 effectively 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 receiving a red card.
However, the suspension for the straight red card is unlikely to be the only punishment he receives. In a statement released on Monday afternoon, the FA announced 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 alleged 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 decision 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 referee was absolutely right. Credit to the referee.”
