English Women’s Championship player gets 5-game racism ban

LONDON (AP) — Sheffield United women's player Sophie Jones has been fired by the club after being banned for five games for racism.

Jones was found guilty by the English Football Association of racially abusing a Tottenham player in a second-tier Women's Championship game in January. She denied the charge. The forward was also fined 200 pounds ($265) and ordered to go on an FA education course.

"Following dialogue between the club and Jones, and taking into account the length of the suspension," Sheffield United said, "it has been decided that her contract, which was due for review in the summer, will be terminated by mutual agreement."

The specifics of the offense were not detailed. The FA says Jones was found guilty of "using abusive and/or insulting words — that included reference to ethnic origin and/or color and/or race."