The former manager of Carlisle United's League Two rivals Crawley Town has been suspended from football over racism charges.

John Yems is barred from "all football and football-related activity" until the summer of 2024.

It comes after he was found to be in breach of Football Association Rule E3.2 on multiple occasions.

Some 11 of 16 charges were found proven by an independent regulatory commission.

They concerned allegations that Yems' comments had included references to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race and/or nationality and/or religion or belief and/or gender.

A further allegation that Yems had discriminated against Crawley players on similar grounds was withdrawn.

Yems denied all but one of the charges against him - but will now be out of football for some 17 months.

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The 63-year-old left his job as Crawley boss last May after allegations came to light.

An FA statement said: "An independent Regulatory Commission has suspended John Yems from all football and football-related activity up to and including 1 June 2024, and ordered him to attend an education programme for 12 breaches of FA Rule E3.2. 

"The former manager of Crawley Town FC was charged with 16 alleged comments in breach of FA Rule E3.2 during the period between 2019 and 2022.

"It was alleged that each breach amounts to an “aggravated breach” of FA Rule E3.2 as the comments included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race and/or nationality and/or religion or belief and/or gender.

"It was further alleged that he had discriminated against Crawley Town FC players by reasons of ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race and/or nationality and/or religion or belief in breach of FA Rule E4 during the period between 2019 and 2022. However, this charge was denied by John Yems and later withdrawn by The FA prior to any hearing.

"John Yems admitted one of the remaining 16 charges and denied 15. An independent Regulatory Commission subsequently found 11 of them to be proven and four unproven during a hearing.

"The Commission also imposed his sanctions, and its written reasons for these decisions will be published at the earliest opportunity."

Crawley issues a statement after the judgement was released. They said: "We would like to thank the Football Association for its thorough investigation into these serious allegations and the independent Regulatory Commission for its thoughtful consideration and ruling on the findings.

"As we have said many times, Crawley Town Football Club will never tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind. We remain eager to partner with our players, staff and supporters as we build a team and community that Red Devils fans can be proud of — both on and off the pitch.”