Advertisement
Ireland international Harry Arter. PA Wire/PA Images

Non-league footballer handed seven-month FA ban after social media abuse of Harry Arter

Alfie Barker admitted the charge at an FA hearing.

AN ENGLISH NON-LEAGUE footballer has been banned for seven months by the Football Association (FA) for comments made to Ireland international Harry Arter on social media over the death of his baby daughter.

Alfie Barker admitted the charge at an FA hearing on Tuesday and has been banned from all football activity until 1 August 2017.

The charge relates to tweets sent from Barkerโ€™s personal account during Bournemouthโ€™s 3-3 draw with Arsenal last month.

Barker, 18, initially claimed his Twitter account had been hacked after the abusive messages were sent to Arter. He subsequently apologised and had his contract terminated by Hitchin Town Football Club.

A tweet from an account in Barkerโ€™s name read: โ€at least you didnโ€™t lose your kid.โ€

A second message sent shortly after said: โ€œbig hype just for a disappointment like the 9 months leading up to your childs [sic] birth.โ€

The disgusting abuse related to the stillborn birth of Arterโ€™s daughter, Renee, in December 2015.

Barker has also been fined ยฃ250 and warned about his future conduct by the FA.

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

LIVE: Manchester United v Hull, Premier League

Claudio Bravo dropped by Pep Guardiola as boss runs out of patience with maligned goalkeeper

Close
6 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Melican
    Favourite David Melican
    Report
    Feb 1st 2017, 7:47 PM

    Not long enough

    91
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute meh
    Favourite meh
    Report
    Feb 2nd 2017, 5:37 AM

    No mention in this article that the lad in question takes meds for forms of Asbergers and Autism.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fran Heavey
    Favourite Fran Heavey
    Report
    Feb 1st 2017, 7:55 PM

    disgusting tramp.thats the worst ive ever seen on twitter.

    71
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Darren McNamara
    Favourite Darren McNamara
    Report
    Feb 1st 2017, 8:06 PM

    Absolute vermin. How does that register in your brain to think that, let alone say it. Iโ€™m sure mammy is proud.

    63
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ardmore02
    Favourite Ardmore02
    Report
    Feb 1st 2017, 8:02 PM

    Sick

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kenneth O Brien
    Favourite Kenneth O Brien
    Report
    Feb 1st 2017, 10:51 PM

    Absolute s(umbag should of been band for life nobody deserves this crap the poor man and his partner have gone trough enough without this shit I hope karma comes around and kicks him in the face

    21
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.