Footballer gets record ban for sectarian abuse of James McClean

A former Scottish international footballer has been given the longest non-violent ban issued by the English FA after hurling abuse at Derry’s James McClean (pictured).

Rotherham United defender Kirkbroad has been issued with a 10-game ban for a tirade of abuse at the Republic of Ireland international - now playing with Premiership club West Bromwich Albion - when he was playing for Wigan Athletic in March.

It is the longest non-violent ban issued by the FA, beating the eight-match suspension given to Liverpool’s Luis Suarez for his racist abuse of Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

Former Rangers defender Broadfoot, who was also fined £7,500 and ordered to complete an education programme, was judged to have committed an aggravated breach of the FA rules and found guilty of misconduct.

In a statement the FA said: "Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing, Rotherham United's Kirk Broadfoot will serve an immediate 10-match suspension after a misconduct charge against him was found proven.

"The charge was that during a league fixture between Rotherham and Wigan Athletic on March 14 2015, Broadfoot used abusive and/or insulting words towards a member of the opposition, in breach of FA Rule E3(1).

"It was further alleged that the breach was an 'aggravated breach' as defined by Rule E3(2)."