The Football Association has issued a 12-year ban from all football activity to a former women's team manager found guilty of sending indecent images of himself to players and a staff member.
Serious Misconduct Uncovered
Ryan Hamilton, the former manager of fourth-tier side Sutton Coldfield Town Women, faced 24 charges of improper conduct. An independent regulatory commission found 23 of those charges proven following an investigation.
The misconduct occurred between May 2022 and November 2024. The FA's case included evidence from four players and one member of staff, who detailed how Hamilton subjected them to sexually inappropriate behaviour.
The proven charges included sending photographs of his penis to a player and a staff member via social media, distributing naked or partially naked images of himself to two other players, and sending one player a video of himself masturbating.
A 'Clear Message' from the Football Association
In its written ruling, published on Friday, the regulatory commission stated that women must be able to participate in football without facing such behaviour. It emphasised the need for strong action to protect the sport's growth.
"Women's football is prospering, and for it to continue to flourish, a clear message needs to be sent that the sort of misconduct Mr Hamilton committed will not be tolerated and will be met with the most severe consequences," the ruling stated.
The commission expressed particular concern over the impact on the victims, noting with sadness that one complainant blamed herself. It observed that the players feared reporting the incidents would affect their selection chances, with some feeling the abuse might be their fault.
Lack of Cooperation and Remorse
The commission highlighted Hamilton's failure to engage properly with the investigation. He attended an initial FA interview but terminated it early to take a phone call and did not rearrange it. He also failed to provide material from his phone when requested.
The ruling noted Hamilton showed "no introspection, contrition or remorse", offering only bare denials regarding three complainants. His only concession was to say he was "not proud of" his behaviour.
The commission had "no doubt" the behaviour would have continued had one player not instigated a formal complaint.
One charge, alleging Hamilton asked a staff member to go home with him during another job, was found not proven. Witness statements also described a "verbally aggressive and bullying management style" that belittled individuals, though this was not part of the formal charges.
The FA confirmed it has nothing to add beyond the published ruling. Sutton Coldfield Town Women and Ryan Hamilton have been approached for comment by the Guardian.
