Controversial football boss slapped with six-match ban for female referees comment

Dorking Wanderers manager Marc White has been handed a six-game touchline ban for remarks about female drivers, the club has confirmed. The comments originated from his appearance on a podcast and follow a series of suspensions in the previous season.

The non-league side released a brief statement on social media to say: "Following (intended fun) comments made on a podcast regarding women drivers, First Team Manager Marc White has received a six-game touchline suspension to be served from the beginning of the league season."

Reflecting on what he described as a "12-stadium ban" during the 2024-25 season, White recalled: "This year, I've gone easy, mate. Obviously, more women refs now, so you have to pay a bit more respect. Do you know what I mean? You have to pay a bit more respect like help them park. Do you know what I mean?"

White will be absent from the sidelines for the initial six matches of Dorking's forthcoming National League South campaign. The Wanderers finished last season in sixth position, eventually bowing out to Boreham Wood in the play-off quarter-finals.

Having been in charge at Dorking for over 1,000 games, long-standing manager White has overseen the outfit's rise through the ranks of non-league football. Founded in 1999, the club ascended from the Crawley and District League to the National League, before their relegation in 2024.

The manager's stint has not been without its share of controversies. In 2023, he faced sanctions from the FA for "[acting] in an improper and/or threatening manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards match officials," resulting in a touchline suspension.

During an appearance on the Undr the Cosh podcast in the same year, according to The Athletic, he expressed his frustration with the FA, stating: "The FA are transitioning from traffic wardens to a Gestapo or something. Everything's about suspensions, bans and fines."

His fiery temper was on display again following a match against St Albans City in 2024. Venting his satisfaction after the game, he exclaimed: "First of all, I f***ing loved giving it to them St Albans fans singing all their f***ing sexually offensive songs like a bunch of d******ds.

"I love f***ing beating people like that and then giving it back. So, to all them boys, they can go and cry tonight around their mummy's house. Good f***ing luck, lads. You got beat, unlucky."