FA charges Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli over Instagram post

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 6 p.m. on Dec. 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 pounds 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.