A FOOTBALLER has been banned for using an alleged homophobic slur during a match.

Emmanuel Monthe, who previously played for Whitehawk, has been suspended for seven matches.

The incident happened during a League Two match against Forest Green Rovers in May, while the 26-year-old was playing for Tranmere Rovers.

Monthe was given a seven-match ban, fined £1,200 and ordered to complete a mandatory education programme for a breach of FA Rule E3.2.

The Football Association said the incident, which happened in the ninth minute of the match, constituted as an “aggravated breach” because it included a reference to sexual orientation.

Monthe denied the charge, but an independent regulatory commission found it to be proven and imposed sanctions during a subsequent hearing.

The Cameroonian footballer began his career at Queens Park Rangers before moving to Whitehawk in 2014.

He made one appearance for the club.

He signed by Forest Green Rovers in November 2016 and was part of the side that were victorious in the National League play-offs at the end of the season.

He made his English Football League debut against Barnet on in 2017 and the following year joined Tranmere Rovers on loan.

The loan was made permanent at the end of the season for an undisclosed fee.

On June 14 this year, joined Walsall on a two-year contract.

In a statement, Walsall acknowledged the ban but declined to comment further.