Bristol Rovers slams the FA’s decision to charge Andy Mangan for an alleged homophobic comment during a recent League One fixture.
The first-team coach Andy Mangan, who was with Barton at Fleetwood, and prior to that had made appearances as a player for Blackpool, Hyde, Accrington, Bury, Forest Green, Wrexham, Fleetwood, Shrewsbury, Tranmere and AFC Fylde, is being punished for an “aggravated breach” of FA rule E3, but this is something he denies doing.
Mangan has been accused of using “abusive and/or insulting” language which “included a reference, whether express or implied, to sexual orientation” to a staff member of fellow third tier club Plymouth Argyle at half time of their clash back in October which ended in a 2-2 draw after his side were 2-0 down.
He had been given until the 21st of December to respond, but on Thursday the 15th of December, a day after being handed the charge, says he will be challenging it.
Under FA disciplinary guidelines, rule E3 states footballers “shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute or use any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour”.
Bristol Rovers assistant manager Andy Mangan has been charged with making an alleged homophobic comment during a League One game.#BBCFootball #EFL
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 14, 2022
Bristol Live say it comes following an incident during which Joey Barton gave his usual team talk at half time, however, it’s claimed that Mangan and Paul Coutts caught a member of Plymouth’s matchday staff filming around the back door of the Rovers changing room.
After a confrontation after the game by members of the hosts, Plymouth’s coaching staff denied the person filming was under instruction from anyone.
BRISTOL ROVERS STATEMENT
Bristol Rovers can confirm that first-team coach Andy Mangan will be challenging the FA’s decision to charge him, with the club’s full support.
All parties were astonished when informed yesterday that Mr Mangan was being charged under rule E3.2, given the lack of any evidence to support the allegation.
Mr Mangan considers the allegation, which he strongly denies, to be utterly false, and the homophobic conduct alleged to be completely reprehensible. He is aggrieved that the FA has decided to bring a charge, given the baselessness of the claim.
He looks forward, nonetheless, to clearing his name and hopes that the FA will take an early opportunity to withdraw the charge.
Bristol Rovers stands against all forms of homophobia and is committed to being fully inclusive for all.
Bristol Rovers can confirm that first-team coach Andy Mangan will be challenging the FA’s decision to charge him.#BristolRovers
— Bristol Rovers (@Official_BRFC) December 15, 2022
The two sides will go head to head again with Argyle having been drawn against each other in in the quarter-finals of the Papa Johns Trophy – should Plymouth win their last 16 clash at home to AFC Wimbledon next Wednesday.
This is what social media users had to say as Bristol Rovers slams the FA’s decision to charge Andy Mangan for an alleged homophobic comment…
@Ryann_BRFC_95: If he’s guilty, Mangan should be fined and probably expected to serve a ban. If Mangan’s not done what’s been alleged, then he has absolutely every right to challenge this. As always, innocent until proven guilty.
@JakeW2311: Glad the club have made some kind of statement on this. IF he said a homophobic slur of any kind he should be punished
@andymozz8: What a fantastic management team they have there 🤣
@padgers82: Bristol Rovers the “family club” strike again 😬😬
@BCFCFan5: Scum. Homophobia is still rife in football.
@FFSChristie: Fuck me that club is toxic. How can you honestly run a club where you don’t know week to week if your manager or any if his staff will be on an FA charge or sitting in a cell somewhere
@NickyNatchyNoo: What a magnificent management team of role models they have.
@jackhennessy19: Cant they stay classy for just a season or is that too hard to do
@Matt_Walker96: Just have to prove you’re a complete dickhead to get a job at Bristol Rovers
@GasHarry15: Go on Andy
@foreverayellow: really hope he hasn’t, not a good look at all
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