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FA charges Balotelli over Instagram post

Mario Balotelli has until December 15 to respond to the FA's charge © Getty Images

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The Football Association has charged Mario Balotelli with an "aggravated breach" of its rules over a recent post on social media.

Balotelli was accused of racism after posting an image of computer game character Super Mario on his Instagram account earlier this week.

The image, headlined 'Don't be racist', contained the text: "Be like Mario, he's an Italian plumber, created by Japanese people, who speaks English and looks like a Mexican. He jumps like a black man and grabs coins like a Jew."

He subsequently apologised for the post but has now been charged and could be banned for up to five matches if found guilty.

An FA statement confirming the charge read: "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 6pm on December 15, 2014 to respond to the charge."

A Liverpool spokesperson said: "We acknowledge the FA's decision and the player will work through the process to answer the charge. While that process is ongoing, the club will not be making any further comment."

The 24-year-old, who has also played for Inter Milan and Manchester City, joined Liverpool from AC Milan for £16 million in August.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers this week insisted that Balotelli remains "very much a Liverpool player", amid growing speculation about the player's future.

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