Wednesday 27 May 2020 16:49, UK
Grimsby midfielder Elliott Whitehouse has been handed a six-match ban after using 'abusive and/or insulting words' during a match again Northampton.
Whitehouse has also been fined £2,000 and must undertake an education course, after admitting a breach of FA Rule E3.
The incident occurred in the 72nd minute of a League Two fixture between Grimsby and Northampton on November 23 last year.
An FA statement said that Whitehouse "used abusive and/or insulting words, which were contrary to FA Rule E3(1) and constituted an 'aggravated breach', which is defined in FA Rule E3(2), as they included a reference to race and/or ethnic origin and/or nationality".
The independent Regulatory Commission's written reasons for the ban stated that Whitehouse had addressed Dublin-born Northampton player Alan McCormack using a term which is considered offensive by the traveller community.
Whitehouse admitted using the term but a written submission filed on his behalf said he "has no issue with the Irish Traveller Community and is not in any way a racist".
