Reading assistant kitman Richard Bone has been handed a six-match ban and a fine of £200 by the FA for alleged use of ‘insulting and/or abusive words’ toward a match official.
The incident occurred during Reading’s 2-0 home defeat to Huddersfield Town in League One on August 9.
Bone was heard by the fourth official making an alleged lewd slur in the direction of referee Matt Corlett toward the end of the first half.
A document regarding the ban has revealed that Bone shouted: ‘He should be in the National League. He has sucked d*** to get to this level.’
The FA charged the assistant kitman in December. He admitted the charge ‘at the first opportunity’, after the match and during ‘all stages’ of the process.
A statement from the FA read: ‘An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Reading’s first team assistant kit manager for breaching FA Rule E3 during their EFL League One game against Huddersfield Town on Saturday 9 August 2025.
‘It was alleged that Richard Bone acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words towards the match referee, contrary to FA Rule E3.1. It was further alleged this constitutes an “aggravated breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as the words included reference – whether express or implied – to sexual orientation.
‘Richard Bone admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a six-match stadium/ground suspension, £200 fine and mandatory education.’
Corlett reported the incident after the game, but admits he did not hear the remark while on the pitch.
It was the fourth official, Harrison Blair, who heard Bone make the comment, and he duly informed Corlett during the half-time break.
In the written reasoning for the misconduct ban, Corlett’s description of events at the Select Car Leasing Stadium explains how he came to hear of the remark.
In a witness statement, he said: ‘The first time I became aware of the alleged homophobic comment was after the game, while I was in the referee’s changing room.
‘The Head of Safety at RFC, who I know as “Dave” came into our room and was speaking to HB. I overheard them talking and one of them say, “the words used in the incident before half time”, so I interrupted and said, “sorry gents what are we talking about here”.
‘HB then informed me that just before half time that he heard someone from the RFC staff team, who was standing in front of the tunnel and just behind him, say towards me, “he should be in the National League. He has sucked d*** to get to this level”.’
The report states that while admitting the charge, Bone claimed the comment was ‘not aimed at anyone’.
Bone’s six-match ban began late last month, as he missed Reading’s 2-2 draw with Barnsley at home.
He has served half of the suspension at the time of writing.
Bone has worked at Reading, who are currently 10th in League One, for three years, following a 10-month stint at Colchester United.
