An amateur footballer has been banned for 10 matches after an independent FA panel found he made a discriminatory comment towards an opposition player during an FA Cup tie. Alex Francis, who plays for Salford club Irlam FC, had denied making the remark, which an FA spokesperson said included a reference to nationality, but the National Serious Case Panel ruled the allegation proven. The case highlights ongoing concerns about discrimination in grassroots football, with campaigners noting reports of abuse in the sport are rising sharply.

The incident occurred on 9 August during Irlam FC's away match at Sheffield side Hallam FC, whose secretary Ashley Carson said the ban was "rightly deserved" and praised the referee for hearing and reporting the comment. Francis had until 4 September to appeal, and his suspension is due to begin on Monday; Irlam FC declined to comment. Separately, anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out reported a record 1,744 cases in the 2025-26 season, a 25% rise on the previous campaign, which it said reflected both growing tension in the sport and greater willingness among people to report abuse.