FA charge Mario Balotelli over racial post

Mario Balotelli’s knack of attracting the wrong type of headlines shows no sign of abating after the enigmatic forward was charged by the English Football Association with racially stereotyping Jewish and black people in a social media post.

The FA is looking into Balotelli’s reposting of a Nintendo character Super Mario image that underneath had the words “jumps like a black man and grabs coins like a jew.”

“Mario Balotelli has been charged by The FA in relation to a recent posting
on social media,” read the statement.

“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 color and/or race and/or nationality and/or religion or belief.

“The player has until 6pm on 15 December 2014 to respond to the charge.

Liverpool said they plan to speak to Balotelli, who has missed the club’s last three games due to a groin injury he picked up on international duty in November.

“We are aware of the posting which has since been promptly deleted by the player,” said Liverpool in a statement.