Manchester City star Bernardo Silva could be banned for three games after being charged with “aggravated misconduct” over his tweet.
FA disciplinary beaks announced he had been charged with bringing football into disrepute for his tweet to Benjamin Mendy last month.
Silva sent a picture of Mendy as a schoolboy alongside a cartoon-like character who is the symbol of Spanish chocolate brand Conguitos.
The midfielder received support from Mendy, Raheem Sterling and City manager Guardiola, who all said it was no more than a joke but anti-racism campaigners Kick It Out demanded action.
And now the FA have charged Bernardo Silva with an “aggravated breach” because his post “included reference, whether expressed or implied, to race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin”.
It is possible that Silva – who has until next Wednesday to respond – could miss City’s key clash with Liverpool on November 10 if the longest possible ban is handed to him.
The lengthiest ban for this charge is six matches but it is likely the midfielder will only receive three due to the circumstances of this particular incident.
If the incident had been on the pitch he could have faced the full punishment but will avoid that as the post was on social media.
However, Mendy appeared to find it amusing, replying with laughing emojis, clapping hands and “1-0” before vowing revenge while Kylian Mbappe “liked” the original message.
After deleting the message, the Portugal international sent out a second Tweet, saying: “Can’t even joke with a friend these days.” That was accompanied with the “face palm” emoji.
It then emerged that Silva had posted an Instagram message in the summer in which he said Mendy was “naked” because he was wearing black training kit. That was also used as part of the FA investigation.
