Flynn Downes To Miss Last Games Of Regular Season
Thursday, 23rd Apr 2026 14:45

Flynn Downes has been handed a retrospective ban for an incident in the recent win at Swansea City and will now miss the next 3 matches including the Wembley semi final showdown with Manchester City.

Southampton's preparation for the date at Wembley on Saturday has been rocked after news that Flynn Downes will now miss this game and also the final two League games of the season.

As reported in The Daily Echo Downes was booked in the 26th minute of the clash with his former club Swansea City for grabbing Melker Widell by his shirt and pushing him, however it is not for this that he has been handed the ban.

In the run up to the booking an elbow on Liam Cullen during an initial challenge for the ball is the offence that has seen him hit with a retrospective ban. The FA confirmed the suspension on Thursday.

An FA statement said:

"Southampton’s Flynn Downes will be unavailable for their next three matches following an incident in the Championship match against Swansea City on Saturday, 18 April.

"The midfielder’s actions around the 23rd minute wasn’t seen by the match officials, but was caught on video, and it was subsequently alleged that this constitutes violent conduct.

"Flynn Downes admitted the charge against him and accepted the standard three-match penalty."

This is a big blow for Saints, Downes has been a vital cog in the current unbeaten run, however it is an area of the team that Tonda Eckert has plenty of options in.

Shea Charles & Caspar Jander have been in fine form and Saints also have Cameron Bragg who has stepped in & done a job when called upon.

All Photos Via Reuters

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IanRC added 15:54 - Apr 23

Anyone who says the FA is not deeply corrupt is living in dreamland. I am sure that there are instances this season where our players have been fouled disgracefully particularly Leo Scienza and no retrospective bans have been placed on other teams players. In particular THB was elbowed in the head in the lead-up to a recent goal by an opponent as an example. The FA is an absolute disgrace and is not fit for purpose.

Bowlercow added 15:59 - Apr 23

Manning is banned for the bookings collected in cup games
Why then is Downes banned for an offence that occurred in a league game?
How can they retrospectively give a red card but they can't retrospectively disallow a goal for hand ball as in the derby game at Fratton?
Those who rule our game are beyond me and appear to make it up as they go and according to the team involved Would this have happened to a London club?

DellBoyWally added 16:25 - Apr 23 We get players banned. Ipswich get dubious late penalties!!
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DellBoyWally added 16:25 - Apr 23 We get players banned. Ipswich get dubious late penalties!!
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SaintPaulVW added 16:33 - Apr 23 He was on the verge of being sent off during the game and it's a clear elbow. I think he felt it was necessary to physically impose himself on the game. When you are playing on the edge these things can happen. Oh well, at least he is going to be fresh for the playoffs.
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WestSussexSaint added 18:11 - Apr 23 He missed the QF due to a ban and that turned out okay. Bragg/Charles/Jander have got it covered.
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highfield49 added 12:20 - Apr 24

Unfortunately, we have to suck it up. The retrospective bans for unseen violent conduct have been around for a while now.
As Downes has admitted the charge and accepted the ban it's time to move on. Whether or not he decides that the outcome of his aggression should modify his future on field actions is a wait and see.
Tbh I don't think his absence will make any difference to the results over the next three games, the fitness of Azaz is more important.