Chris Stokes: Coventry City defender banned for homophobic tweet

Chris Stokes made 38 appearances for Coventry last season

Coventry City defender Chris Stokes has been given a one-match suspension by the Football Association for a homophobic post on Twitter.

The 25-year-old used the term "faggots" on 2 May during Chelsea's Premier League match with Tottenham, before later removing it and apologising.

He admitted breaching FA rules relating to the use of social media.

Stokes has also been ordered to attend an FA education course, fined £1,000 and warned as to his future conduct.

More on this and other stories from Coventry & Warwickshire

He said soon after deleting the tweet: "I'd like to apologise for any offence I've caused.

"It was a brainless moment from me and I'm really disappointed in myself for using that term. I'm not homophobic at all.

"However, I know it is not acceptable by any means and I'm really sorry to any of our supporters or anyone in the wider public who have been offended by the remark."