Reading FC Kit Manager Handed Ban For Homophobic Remark

Reading FC first-team kit manager Richard Bone has been handed a six-match suspension, fined £200 and ordered to complete a mandatory education programme after admitting to making a homophobic remark towards a match official during a League One fixture last season.

The sanction was imposed by an Independent Regulatory Commission following a paper hearing held on 22 January 2026, after Bone admitted a charge of misconduct brought by The Football Association (FA).

The incident occurred during Reading’s League One match against Huddersfield Town on 9 August 2025. Towards the end of the first half, Bone made a comment about referee Matt Corlett that was overheard by fourth official Harrison Blair. The remark was subsequently reported after the match by Blair and Reading’s head safety steward, David Parker.

In December 2025, the FA charged Bone with a breach of FA Rule E3.1 for acting in an improper manner and using insulting and abusive language. The charge was further classified as an aggravated breach under Rule E3.2, as the language included a reference to sexual orientation.

Bone, who was not listed on Reading’s official team sheet for the match, admitted the charge at the first opportunity and did not request a personal hearing, meaning the case was determined on the written evidence.

The Regulatory Commission found that the comments were objectively insulting and constituted an aggravated breach of FA rules. In determining the sanction, the Commission considered the FA’s disciplinary guidelines, which set a standard suspension range of six to 12 matches for aggravated breaches.

While the Commission identified the public nature of the comments as an aggravating factor, it also took into account several mitigating factors. These included Bone’s immediate admission, expression of remorse, full cooperation with the investigation, and the absence of any previous misconduct on his record.

As a result, the Commission imposed a six-match suspension, the lowest end of the sanction range. The suspension, which began on 23 January 2026, includes a standard ground ban preventing Bone from entering any stadium where Reading FC are playing from three hours before kick-off until three hours after the final whistle.

In addition to the suspension, Bone was fined £200 and ordered to attend a mandatory face-to-face education programme organised by the FA, which must be completed by 22 May 2026. Failure to complete the programme would result in an indefinite suspension from all football-related activity.

No order for costs was made, and Bone retains the right to appeal the decision in accordance with FA regulations.