Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has been charged with an “aggravated breach” of FA rules.
The charge relates to a Tweet regarding teammate Benjamin Mendy, in which Silva compared a black cartoon character with the left-back.
The Portuguese has denied allegations of racism, as has Pep Guardiola, but the FA have taken a different stance.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Lee on Twitter, “whenever punishments have been handed out for this kind of breach in the past, it’s included a ban, small fine and ‘face-to-face’ education”.
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Should Silva pick up a ban, it could deal a significant blow to City’s Premier League title chances, aiding Liverpool’s in the process.
The forward has been a magnificent performer for the reigning champions since joining from Monaco in 2017, combining quality and tenacity in equal measure.
With Kevin De Bruyne also potentially sidelined through injury, and Leroy Sane out for most of the season, City’s squad depth could be tested.
Silva may even miss the all-important meeting between Liverpool and City at Anfield on Sunday, November 10th.
A five-match ban would be required for that to happen.
