John Cummings is sacked from his job with the Northumberland FA

John Cummings has been removed from his position as Vice President of the Northumberland Football Association after being found guilty of a sexist remark against a female referee, reports Sky Sports News HQ reporter Keith Downie.

The 77-year-old was handed a four month ban by English football’s governing body last month after being found guilty by an Independent Regulatory Commission of using "discriminatory language" in March towards Lucy May, a female referee development officer.

Only last week the Northumberland FA decided against punishing Cummings further but, following the resignation of four members – including Premier League referee Michael Oliver – they performed a U-turn at an EGM on Wednesday night.

A spokesperson for the Northumberland FA said: “The Council's decision to revisit the subject of Mr Cummings’ sexist remarks directed at Lucy May were we felt a necessary, proportionate and correct response to concerns raised both within the NFA, our member organisations and the general public.

“Our unstinting work in promoting and nurturing women's football as well as our commitment to wider issues of ethics and equality has won the NFA much praise and we are determined to protect that reputation.

“We would like to thank Mr Cummings for his long service to the NFA but it is the view of the Council that his position became untenable.”

Cummings has been involved with football in the north east for more than 50 years, but hopes he can continue his role as secretary of the affiliated North East Sunday League once his FA suspension ends. 

In the meantime, his wife Joyce will take over that role as acting secretary.

Cummings told Sky Sports News HQ: “I’m disappointed that something said in jest has been blown out of all proportion and I have been kicked off the Northumberland FA after decades of good service.

“I’m still confused as to why no action was taken by the NFA when the comments were made away back in March.

“But as far as I am concerned my role with the North East Sunday league will continue without anyone’s 
help at the NFA.”

Cummings was found guilty, during a break at a cup final officials workshop on March 17, of saying: “It’s nothing against you personally but all the time I’m alive, a woman will never referee on my league.”
 
When asked “why?” by May, he allegedly responded, before walking away: “Because you would not be able to handle it. A woman’s place is in the kitchen and not on a football field.” 

According to May, Cummings’ remarks were said “without any kind of humour in his voice and [that he] appeared to be completely serious.” 

On top of the ban, Cummings was fined £250 and ordered to attend an education course arranged by the FA and completed before the end of his suspension. He was also ordered to pay costs of £1500 for his failed appeal to the FA.