What was meant to be a casual and humorous appearance on a football podcast has turned into a serious disciplinary issue for Dorking Wanderers manager Marc White.
His offhand remark during a podcast episode has now earned him a six-game touchline ban, and it’s stirred up quite a bit of conversation around respect, gender, and professionalism in football.
The Comment That Sparked the Ban
While chatting on the Under The Cosh podcast, White reflected on his past run-ins with officials.
In the middle of that conversation, he remarked that “there are more women refs now, so you have to pay a bit more respect, do you know what I mean?”
He followed up with a controversial quip: “Like help them park.”
Although he may have intended it as a light-hearted joke, the comment didn’t go down well.
The Football Association stepped in and charged White with using language that was insulting or abusive — with the added weight of it being an “aggravated breach” due to its sexist undertone.
Club Statement and Immediate Consequences
Dorking Wanderers quickly addressed the situation, acknowledging that the comment — described as “intended fun” — had led to disciplinary action.
The club confirmed that White will now serve a six-match touchline suspension, starting with the first game of the upcoming National League South season.
That means the team will be without their long-standing manager’s presence in the dugout just as the season gets underway — a significant shift considering how hands-on White has always been.
Context Behind the Controversy
Interestingly, White made the comment ahead of a 3-1 defeat against Weston-super-Mare last season.
Though the fallout didn’t hit immediately, the timing of the remark now adds an odd layer of reflection to that game.
It’s a reminder that public figures, even in moments of casual banter, carry a responsibility in how they represent both themselves and their clubs.
The Man Behind Dorking Wanderers
For those unfamiliar, Marc White isn’t just Dorking’s manager — he’s also its founder.
Back in 1999, White, along with a group of friends, started the club from scratch as an amateur outfit.
He even played for the team in its early years.
Now 51, White has been the driving force behind the club’s extraordinary rise.
Under his leadership, Dorking has climbed through the English football pyramid with 12 promotions in just over two decades.
With over 1,000 games managed, White has overseen some of the club’s biggest moments — including last season’s heart-breaking loss to Boreham Wood in the National League South play-off final.
What’s Next for Marc White and Dorking?
While White takes a forced step back from the technical area, the team will have to adjust to his absence and keep pushing forward.
Given his long-standing influence, his suspension will undoubtedly have an impact — but it could also be a chance for the squad to show resilience.
As for White, this incident may serve as a turning point — a moment to reflect, recalibrate, and move forward with a greater awareness of how words, even in jest, can resonate far beyond the intended audience.