Troy Deeney slapped with FOUR-GAME touchline ban after ‘improper language’ and red card during Forest Green clash
TROY DEENEY has been banned for four matches and fined after using “improper language” and receiving a red card during Forest Green’s clash with Swindon.
The 35-year-old Watford legend, and exclusively Sun Sport columnist, was appointed head coach of the League Two side on 20 December.
But he is still waiting for his first victory in charge but will now have to temporarily guide them to safety from the stands after being hit by the Football Association following his fiery remarks during last month’s 2-1 loss at Swindon.
An FA statement said: “Forest Green Rovers manager Troy Deeney has been charged by the FA for two alleged breaches of its rules on language and behaviour as he was sent off during their game against Swindon Town.
“Deeney, who took over at Forest Green last month, was sent off in the 85th minute of the 2-1 away defeat on December 29.
“The FA alleges that Deeney’s language and behaviour were ‘improper and/or abusive and/or insulting and/or threatening’ as he was sent off by referee Scott Simpson. “Deeney’s language towards a match official was also allegedly ‘improper and/or abusive and/or insulting’ after he received a red card.”
Deeney, who is set to bring John Terry in as coach to help him, claimed that his emotions “can get the better of him” as he apologised to his players for criticising them after their recent loss to Harrogate.
Forest Green have drawn three and lost three of his six games in charge and are currently bottom of the fourth tier, seven points from safety.
They were beaten 2-0 at home to Harrogate on Saturday, leading the ex-Birmingham City forward to say there were “too many babies” in his squad and stating that he would rather watch Antiques Roadshow.
And he then called defender Fankaty Dabo’s performance “awful”.
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Deeney said yesterday: “I apologised to Dabo and I apologised to the group afterwards because some things should be kept in the changing room.
“I don’t apologise for what I said, I just apologised as it was said in public.”
Deeney has made 18 appearances for Forest Green this season since arriving as player-coach in the summer, scoring four times.
However, he has yet to play since taking over the helm but hinted that he could pull the boots back on soon.
He said: “If I come off the bench, who’s going to make the subs? Because we’ve only got one coach.
“We’re working hard at getting another striker in, but I did join in training [on Monday] and I’ve still got a little bit left, so we’ll see.”
Deeney’s ban will begin with Saturday’s away trip to Gillingham.
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