Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) over a tweet aimed at his teammate Benjamin Mendy.
In the tweet, he posted a childhood picture of the Blues leftback as a child with a controversial caricature cartoon character used to promote Spanish chocolate brand Conguitos.
He faced a backlash on the social media site and from racism campaigners Kick It Out who accused him of perpetuating a racial stereotype.
Despite the tweet being deleted, the FA confirmed they were investigating and wrote to Silva for his observations.
It is understood Mendy, who replied with a thumbs up and laughing emjois, also wrote to them to say he was not offended.
However, the governing body have today (Tuesday) confirmed he has been charged.
In a statement they said: “Bernardo Silva has been charged with misconduct for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a social media post on 22 September 2019.
“It is alleged that the Manchester City player’s activity breaches FA Rule E3(1) as it was insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute.
“It is further alleged that the activity constitutes an “Aggravated Breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3(2), as it included reference, whether expressed or implied, to race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin.”
Silva previously said any offence was not meant, but that he had learned his lesson from the matter and there would be no repeat. The midfielder has until October 9 to provide a formal response.
Blues boss Pep Guardiola staunchly defended his player saying: “If the people believe Bernardo is this type of person they are completely wrong. They judge one joke – I judge three years with him.
“Bernardo, or anyone else in my squad, do these things for a joke. Benjamin is like a brother to Bernardo, that is what I see every single day here.”
Teammate Raheem Sterling, who has spoken out on issues around racism, also defended him saying he “hadn’t referred to the colour of his skin.”
Kick It Out however said they were “incredibly disappointed” and called for action to be taken against the Portugese forward.
They said: “Racist stereotypes are never acceptable as ‘banter’, and we’re shocked that someone who is a role model to millions has failed to understand the discriminatory nature of his post.
“The FA have been notified and we believe that retrospective action should be taken, including mandatory education – which is vital to challenge offensive behaviour such as this.”
