Foul-Mouthed Rant Lands Southampton Captain Additional Two-Game Ban
Southampton defender Jack Stephens has been given an additional two-game ban following his red card against Manchester United last month.
The 30-year-old has also been fined £50,000.
Stephens launched a tirade against referee Stuart Atwell and fourth official Gavin Ward after he was sent off for a bad challenge on Alejandro Garnacho.
Southampton, who are still looking for their first win of the season, lost the game 3-0.
Stephens had already served a three-game ban but will now miss upcoming games against Arsenal and Leicester City.
"The defender admitted that he used abusive and insulting words towards both the match referee and fourth official around the 79th minute after he had been sent off," the FA said in a statement.
"An independent Regulatory Commission imposed these sanctions."
Stephens attended the commission himself and apologised for using the offensive language.
"I am well aware that what I said was completely unacceptable and below the standard of conduct expected of me," he said. "I am very embarrassed by my behaviour and want to apologise sincerely for it.
"I know that with being Captain, and with all these other positions, comes extra responsibility to behave well. I am in a privileged position and am seen as a role model by others, so what I do on the pitch and off it is watched by others and influences how they behave.
"I bitterly regret my choice of language. The language I used is out of character for me."
