Bristol Rovers give ‘full support’ as Andy Mangan to contest FA charge

Bristol Rovers have given Andy Mangan their full support as the first-team coach challenges the recent charge from the English Football Association. The 36-year-old was charged on Wednesday with an 'aggravated breach' of FA rule E3.2.

He is accused of using 'abusive and/r insulting' language which 'included a reference, whether express or implied, to sexual orientation' to a Plymouth Argyle staff member during half-time of their match in late October.

Mangan had until December 21, to respond to the charge and has responded immediately to deny the charge, and will now hope to clear his name. The FA will now consider his appeal and will communicate the outcome in due time.

In response, a statement from Rovers read: "Bristol Rovers can confirm that first-team coach Andy Mangan will be challenging the FA’s decision to charge him, with the club’s full support.

All parties were astonished when informed yesterday that Mr Mangan was being charged under rule E3.2, given the lack of any evidence to support the allegation.

Mr Mangan considers the allegation, which he strongly denies, to be utterly false, and the homophobic conduct alleged to be completely reprehensible. He is aggrieved that the FA has decided to bring a charge, given the baselessness of the claim.

"He looks forward, nonetheless, to clearing his name and hopes that the FA will take an early opportunity to withdraw the charge.

"Bristol Rovers stands against all forms of homophobia and is committed to being fully inclusive for all."

The 36-year-old is a long-term friend of first-team manager Joey Barton and has been on his coaching staff at Fleetwood Town, before later joining him at the Memorial Stadium in February 2021. He has taken charge of the club on numerous occasions, overseeing the EFL Trophy defeat to Plymouth in August, as well as standing in for press conferences when Barton has been unavailable.