Liverpool striker Balotelli charged by FA

Posted Saturday, December 06, 2014 by Goal.com

The Italy international star has been accused of an "abusive and/or insulting and/or improper" post on Instagram which referenced black people and Jewish culture

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has been charged by the Football Association after posting an image on his Instagram account that is alleged to be racist and anti-Semitic.

The Italy international posted an image of video game character Super Mario accompanied with a caption that referenced black people and Jewish culture before swiftly deleting it.

The club admitted they would speak to the player over the issue while the FA opened an investigation, and the footballing body has now moved to charge the controversial forward.

A statement read: "Mario Balotelli has been charged by the FA in relation to a recent posting on social media.

"It is alleged the Liverpool player breached FA rule E3[1] in that his posting was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper.

"It is further alleged that this is an 'Aggravated Breach' as defined by FA rule E3[2] as it included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race and/or nationality and/or religion or belief.

"The player has until 18:00GMT on December 15, 2014, to respond to the charge."