Premier League star slapped with ban for calling official a 'f***ing little c***'

Southampton defender Jack Stephens has been handed a two-match ban and a £50,000 fine for calling a fourth official a "f***** little c***". The incident occurred after the 30-year-old was sent off during the Saints' 3-0 loss against Manchester United in September.

Stephens was dismissed for a lunge at United winger Alejandro Garnacho in the 79th minute. He served a three-match ban for the challenge but will now miss a further two after abusing fourth official Gavin Ward.

An FA regulatory commission heard that Stephens called Ward a "f****** little c***" as he headed off the pitch. The centre-back returned to the field of play to hand over the captain's armband, and told Ward again: "You're a c***."

Referee Stuart Attwell testified to the commission that he heard Stephens call Ward "a c***".

Stephens issued a "sincere apology" over the incident and says he regrets his choice of words. However, the former Bournemouth loanee insisted it was out of character.

He told the commission: "I bitterly regret my choice of language. The language I used is out of character for me."

Stephens highlighted his "extra responsibility" at Southampton, including his roles as club captain and as coach of the club's under-16 team.

Speaking of his feelings after being shown the red card, Stephens said: "When the decision was confirmed I was upset. I did something that I am very disappointed with myself for. I know the importance of accepting a referee's decision but instead I spoke to him saying something that I would not normally say. I then used that language again to Mr Ward.

"This is not an excuse, but it was in the heat of the moment and I was not aggressive towards either of the officials and did not argue with them and left the pitch, returning only to pass on the captain's armband."

Stephens missed Southampton's Carabao Cup win over Everton and their Premier League matches against Ipswich and Bournemouth. He will now be suspended for Saturday's visit to Arsenal and the October 19 clash with Leicester after the international break.

Southampton are yet to win their first Premier League match since returning to the top-flight. Russell Martin's side have lost five of their first six matches, a run compounded by a 3-1 defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday.