Barrow manager Mark Cooper has been handed an eight-game touchline ban by the FA for an alleged abusive or insulting reference to a female assistant referee's gender.Referee Andrew Kitchen sent Cooper off during Barrow's League Two match with Exeter on August 17 for apparent comments made to Helen Edwards.Despite Cooper denying the allegations, an independent regulatory commission has found them to be proven. He has now been given an eight-game touchline ban, fined £3,000 and ordered to attend an education course.An FA statement said: "It was alleged that the manager (Cooper) used abusive and/or insulting words in the 91st minute, which are contrary to FA Rule E3.1, and that these words constitute an 'aggravated breach', as defined in FA Rule E3.2 as they included a reference, whether express or implied, to gender."Mark Cooper denied these allegations but an independent Regulatory Commission subsequently found them to be proven and imposed his sanctions, which remain subject to appeal, after reviewing the available evidence. The written reasons for their decisions will be published in due course."A statement on Barrow's website read: "The club is aware of the decision made by the FA Regulatory Commission in the case of our manager, Mark Cooper."Mark is obviously disappointed by the decision. Neither he nor the club have yet received the reasons for the decision, which will be considered with a view to appeal in due course."Barrow, who face Exeter on Saturday for the return game, are 20th in League Two.(Photo: Kieran RIley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
