A former manager of a women's football club has been handed a lengthy ban from all football-related activity after an independent regulatory commission found him guilty of multiple counts of serious sexual misconduct and bullying.
Pattern of 'Overtly Sexual Behaviour'
Ryan Hamilton, who was the first-team manager of Sutton Coldfield Town Women FC between May 2022 and November 2024, has been suspended for 12 years. The Football Association's misconduct panel found 23 out of 24 allegations against him to be proved.
The panel heard evidence that Hamilton sent explicit images of his penis via Snapchat to a female colleague and a player. He also sent videos of himself performing a sex act to the same player and distributed partially-naked images of himself to two other individuals.
His conduct was described in the report as "constantly overtly sexual behaviour" which made the women involved feel deeply uncomfortable. The panel, chaired by Jane Bickerstaff KC, stated the evidence from the complainants was "credible and compelling".
A Culture of Fear and Bullying
Beyond the sexual misconduct, the panel found Hamilton operated a "verbally aggressive and bullying management style". Witness statements detailed how he would belittle and humiliate players, to the extent that some no longer wished to attend training or play for the club.
Crucially, the players and staff felt unable to report his behaviour. The panel noted they "feared repercussions" and specifically worried about being dropped from the team if they made a complaint.
"He was in a position of trust with power and responsibility over the players," stated Bickerstaff KC, adding that he had misused that authority "in a misogynistic and sexually inappropriate" manner.
No Remorse Leads to Severe Sanction
The commission highlighted Hamilton's lack of contrition as a significant factor in the severe penalty. He denied all charges, offering only "bare denials," and required a full hearing to prove them.
"He has shown no introspection, contrition or remorse. He seems to have absolutely no insight into the effect of his conduct," the report stated. It added that the closest he came to an apology was saying he was "not proud of" his behaviour.
By opting for a paper hearing, Hamilton at least spared his victims the ordeal of giving live evidence. The commission concluded that a lengthy suspension was the only appropriate sanction to reflect the severity and pattern of his abuse.
The 12-year ban from all football and football-related activity is effective immediately from the date of notification.
