Dorking Wanderers Manager Marc White Receives Six-Game Ban for Sexist Remarks

Marc White, manager of English sixth-tier football club Dorking Wanderers, has been handed a six-game touchline ban and fined £500 by the Football Association (FA) for making sexist comments about women drivers on a podcast.

The Controversial Podcast Comments

The comments in question were made during a January appearance on the “Under the Cosh” podcast, where White, while discussing his disciplinary record, remarked that increased female referee numbers necessitate “paying a bit more respect,” suggesting he would “help them park.” This seemingly casual remark was deemed by the FA to be improper, abusive, and insulting, leading to charges of improper conduct under FA Rule E3.1, further aggravated by its gendered nature as defined in FA Rule E3.2.

The FA’s Decision and Sanctions

Following a hearing, an independent Regulatory Commission upheld the charges and imposed the six-game ban, effective at the start of the new season. White also received a £500 fine and was mandated to attend an education session. The FA’s statement confirmed White’s admission of guilt and indicated that the written reasons for the decision would be published subsequently.

White’s Controversial Reputation

This incident is not White’s first brush with controversy. He has a history of attracting disciplinary action from football authorities, admitting in the same podcast interview to being banned from twelve stadiums due to his behavior. In a 2023 interview on the same podcast, he criticized the FA’s approach to managing manager conduct, using strong language to describe their perceived overzealousness.

Implications and Wider Context

White’s ban highlights the increasing attention paid to sexism and inappropriate conduct within football. The FA’s decision sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated, regardless of the context or intent. The incident has sparked discussions about gender equality, professionalism, and appropriate conduct within the sport, prompting conversations about the need for greater awareness and stricter enforcement of respectful behavior. Dorking Wanderers, in a statement on X, confirmed the ban, referring to the comments as “intended fun.” However, the FA clearly didn’t interpret them as such.

Key Takeaways:

• Marc White, manager of Dorking Wanderers, received a six-game touchline ban for sexist comments.
• The comments, made on a podcast, were deemed improper, abusive, and insulting by the FA.
• White admitted the charges and accepted the sanctions.
• This incident highlights the increasing focus on combating sexism in football.
• The ban underscores the FA’s commitment to promoting respectful behavior within the sport.