An English soccer team confirmed the six-game suspension of its manager this weekend after he made sexist remarks on a podcast in January.
“Following (intended fun) comments made on a podcast regarding women drivers, First Team Manager Marc White has received a six-game touchline suspension to be served from the beginning of the league season,” a Sunday social media post by Dorking Wanderers FC reads.
Marc White, the manager of the Dorking Wanderers, made the sexist remark on the “Under The Cosh” podcast in January when he responded to a question about his disciplinary record.
“More women refs now, so you have to pay a bit more respect, do you know what I mean?” White, who is also the founder and owner of the Dorking Wanderers, said in the podcast episode, which can be viewed on YouTube. “You have to pay a bit more respect, like help them park.”
Podcast host Chris Brown can be seen laughing with White at his remark.
The English Football Association issued White’s suspension in May, writing that he “acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words during an interview with ‘Under the Cosh’ contrary to FA Rule E3.1.”
FA Rule E3.1 states that participants can’t use “violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behavior.”
White was fined 500 pounds (about $685) and has to attend “a mandatory education session,” according to The Athletic.
White joked on the podcast episode about being banned from 12 stadiums for his behavior last year, calling it a “fantastic record.” In 2023, White received a four-game suspension after the FA said he “directed personal abusive and insulting words” at match officials, as well as his assistant. According to the report, White apologized.
