Grim new FA report details how Troy Deeney threatened to punch fourth official in the head

A grim new FA report details how the sacked Forest Green manager Troy Deeney threatened to punch a fourth official in the head.

Troy Deeney threatened to punch a match official in the face before calling him a “weasel” in their League Two defeat against Swindon Town back in December.

The 35 year old was handed a four-game touchline ban and £1,500 fine on the day he was sacked, following two Football Association (FA) charges relating to alleged improper, abusive, insulting and threatening language and behaviour.

Dale Vince tweeted: “Yesterday on @bbc5live 72+ podcast, Troy Deeney’s agent accused me of making “seriously defamatory” and “incorrect” comments after I told the programme the former FGR manager threatened to punch a match official in the head and that was the last straw for us as a club. So for the record, here’s the FA’s report (Section 22) where Troy himself clearly admits the event took place. Who do they think they’re kidding, denying to the media this took place, while admitting it to the FA and being found guilty. It’s pretty incredible to me.”

Forest Green fell to a 2-1 defeat with Deeney receiving marching orders in the closing stages just after what proved to be the winning goal.

In the written reasons from the FA, after two independent regulatory commission hearings, it was alleged that Deeney said to fourth official Andrew Hickman: “if you weren’t a referee, I would punch your f****** head in”

After being dismissed from the technical area, it was alleged Deeney then called Hickman “a f****** weasel”.

At a first hearing on the 11th of January, Deeney then took accountability for what he done and admitted they were wrong, yet he also claimed Hickman had interpreted the words he used as aggressive and threatening, and then had the cheek to deniy they were threatening.

Deeney also claimed Hickman had been “disrespectful and rude” by turning away while he was speaking to him.

The head coach accepted what he said in both statements, but claimed that he said ‘bloody’ instead of “f******”. The commission deemed the word “weasel” to be insulting regardless.

At a second hearing on the 18th of January, the fourth official said he didn’t feel immediately threatened by what Troy Deeney said, though he did feel that there was enough undertone of a threat.

The commission found the first charge of improper and/or abusive and/or insulting and/or threatening behaviour and language and the second charge of improper and/or abusive and/or insulting language towards a match official to be proven.

Deeney was then got rid of by Forest Green just hours after being given an FA ban and fine, having only picked up three points from his six games in charge of Rovers.

Forest Green chairman Dale Vince said the charges had been “a really difficult thing to contemplate and accept as a club”.

A week ago, Troy Deeney hit out at being sacked by Forest Green, saying ‘I feel used’ as he speaks for the first time on the decision.

The day after being sacked, Deeney said, as per The Sun: “They told me it was because of results but I have trouble believing that.

“I feel to a certain extent I have been used for my contacts and pulling power.

“We had brought in five players in this window, most of whom would not have dropped down to the bottom of League Two if it wasn’t for me — including Maxi Oyedele, on loan from Manchester United.

“Four weeks ago, I was the solution. Now I’m told I’m the problem.

“The club knew the type of character I was, someone that had been in the dressing room and knew changes needed to be made if the club was going to grow and gain improved results on the pitch.

“When you’re taking over a club in the middle of a season and it is rock bottom of the league you can’t take your time and go easy. Hard words needed to be spoken and I felt that we were about to turn a corner with results.

“Was I the problem? Or is it the club that is about to appoint its ninth manager in less than three years?

“I was expected to turn around the fortunes of a failing club in less than a month. I hadn’t even received my first payslip as a manager when they told me they were getting rid of me.”

You can read more on what he had to say by clicking HERE.

Fans reacted as a grim new FA report details how Troy Deeney threatened to punch fourth official in the head…

@stfcjosh: Troy Deeney ladies and gentlemen.

@LeeTaylbythesea: Not sure football agents have been on ethics courses’!

@alanmart102: It seems to be the way of the world these days, thanks to Trump. Deny everything even when there is incontrovertible evidence…

@SimonHacker11: Zero grounds for defamation, 100%, albeit a nuance in what TD says he said and the manner of saying it, ie hypothetical comment rather than statement of intent. In that space I find it possible to back the club’s decision while feeling some empathy for TD and lessons he’ll learn.

@Gloucester_City: Move on. Those who know the truth – know the truth. All effort now needs to be directed to Steve and supporting him. the squad and the fans. Don’t get deflected by inconsequential issues.

@EmJH17: Picking on the wrong guy here, everyone knows Dale will call out anyone who is full of s**t 👏

@seanbaker87: Troy Deeneys agent in the mud

@Jakey_Boyz: Absolutely no defending that🤣🤣 Crazier that he aims it at the fourth official when it’s the ref in particular who had a poor game. Catching strays for no reason😂

@GrantR1310: Fair play Dale 👏🏻

@SoulstarWhitey: My god it’s hard enough for black footballers at any level of the game, it’s harder still to be offered the opportunity to manage, but Troy Deeney dismissal from Forest Green – the reasons behind it… Guy needs help. Needs anger management courses!

@SFCJed23: This seems so out of character for him, who could’ve foreseen this happening?!?

@Moore_Thought: Such a role model. 🙄 He needs therapy not a pundit job on Sky.

@ElliotLane11: Never expected this from someone like him 🥴

@ConnorArmstrong: Wow, it’s always the ones you least expect