Manchester United’s Jack Fletcher has said he is “truly sorry” and acted “in the heat of the moment” over a homophobic slur that has earned the midfielder a six-match ban.

Fletcher, who made his senior United debut in their 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa on December 21, received a red card during a 5-2 EFL Trophy defeat at Barnsley on October 21.

The Football Association have confirmed that the 18-year-old was sent off for calling an opponent “gay boy”.

“I am truly sorry for the offensive word I used in the heat of the moment,” said Fletcher, adding that a “momentary lapse of character absolutely does not reflect my beliefs or values”.

“I completely understand such language is unacceptable and immediately apologised after the game.”

Fletcher has been fined £1,500 and will remain suspended should he not complete a mandatory face-to-face education programme.

United have carried out work with Fletcher to “strengthen his understanding of discriminatory language and why it is harmful” and will continue his work with club diversity programmes.

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