Football Manager Banned: Sexist Remarks on Female Referees Land Dorking Wanderers Boss in Hot Water

Marc White, the manager of Dorking Wanderers, has been handed a six-game touchline ban by the Football Association (FA) following contentious comments he made on a podcast. The club acknowledged the ban via their official X (formerly Twitter) account.

The FA's action stems from remarks made by White, which the club has since stated were intended to be humorous.

The club's statement on X read: "Following (intended fun) comments made on a podcast regarding women drivers, First Team Manager Marc White has received a six-game touchline suspension to be served from the beginning of the league season."

The comments in question, which circulated widely online, included a reference to female referees and drivers. White stated: "Fantastic record last year. I think 12-stadium ban it was in total, which beat my previous best. Yeah. Beat my previous best."

He continued, "This year, I’ve gone easy, mate. Obviously, more women refs now. So you have to pay a bit more respect. Do you know what I mean? You have to pay a bit more respect like help them park." He then added, laughing, "Do you know what I mean? But, yeah. But, yeah, I’m getting a bit better."

White, who also founded Dorking Wanderers, has been instrumental in the club's ascent through the English football league system. The suspension means he will be prohibited from entering the technical area for the first six league matches of the upcoming season.

Dorking Wanderers have not yet confirmed whether a fine accompanies the suspension. As of now, the club has not lodged a formal appeal.

Dorking concluded the previous season in sixth place in the National League N/S (North/South), amassing 86 points from 46 games.

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