In previous seasons, suspensions ranged from six to 12 matches for 'aggravated breaches' of FA Rule E3.2, which relates to misconduct around references to ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, religion, sex, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, or disability.
The strengthened sanction, which also applies to managers and individuals in the technical area, is part of the FA's commitment to "delivering a game free from discrimination".
Shorter bans - with a minimum of six matches - may also be considered when there are mitigating circumstances or an individual has admitted the breach at the earliest opportunity. But a six-match ban would now only be considered in those circumstances - rather than being the standard minimum suspension, as it was before.
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