‘Should be banned for a season with no pay’: Fans fume after footballer who hurled homophobic slur at gay player gets 6-game ban

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Fans reacted to news of Flemmings’ ban on Twitter.

“What he deserves. Absolutely revolting conduct and thinking,” wrote one, while another simply said: “Well done USL.”

What he deserves. Absolutely revolting conduct and thinking.

— Vivo Por Ella. (@BonLadino) October 6, 2020

Well done, USL! 👏👏👏

— Jeff, Son of Karl (@Jeff_CCTuba) October 6, 2020

A number of supporters felt the league did not go far enough with their sanctions of the 24-year-old, however.

“Should have been banned for a season without pay,” suggested one, while others agreed his suspension “should be full season at the very least” and that a six-game ban was “underwhelming.”

Should have been banned for a season without pay.

— Anthony Ashburton (@PebusPebus) October 7, 2020

Should be full season at the very least and a re-assessment leading into the next there's no place for that in the game.

— excuse me sir? (@Stevegripp) October 7, 2020

Martin was initially sent off for his reaction to the slur, but the red card was later rescinded by the referee.

The midfielder said he “felt personally attacked” by the slur.

"I felt personally attacked."

Collin Martin opens up about the events from last night's match. #SDvPHX pic.twitter.com/WPO4dOpYRJ

— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) October 2, 2020

Loyal were 3-1 up and chasing a playoff place when they made the decision to exit the game after Flemmings was not removed by the referee or Phoenix manager Rick Schantz.

The decision came just over a week after San Diego’s meeting with LA Galaxy II, in which Omar Ontiveros racially abused Loyal’s Elijah Martin. San Diego later forfeited the match, while Ontiveros was given a six-match ban and a fine and was also released by the Galaxy.

Former USA international Donovan explained the club’s decision on Twitter.

Landon Donovan on why the team decided to forfeit tonight's match against Phoenix Rising FC. #SDvPHX pic.twitter.com/7BcqzZBSrV

— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) October 1, 2020

Flemmings served the first game of his ban on Saturday as Phoenix Riding beat LA Galaxy II 4-1.

The USL Championship enters its playoff phase this Saturday. Flemmings’ suspension will ensure he misses the entirety of the playoffs, meaning he won’t play again in the 2020 season.