Defender reprimanded following 'insulting' social media post
Middlesbrough FC’s Marc Bola has been warned and ordered to complete a mandatory face-to-face education programme by an independent Regulatory Commission after admitting a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a social media post from 14 April 2012, the FA has confirmed. An FA statement said: “The defender’s post was insulting, abusive, improper and brought the game into disrepute contrary to FA Rule E3.1. It also constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference to sexual orientation.
Representing the Football Association Regulatory Commission at the hearing were Richard Smith QC (chairman) Gareth Farrelly, and Udo Onwere, a partner at Bray & Krais Solicitors. Onwere was formerly a professional footballer for Fulham FC.
Representing Bola was Christina Michalos QC and John Shea, a senior associate at Lewis Silkin LLP.
Representing the FA was Kate Gallafent QC, Amina Graham, head of regulatory advocates department and barrister Rebecca Turner.