Mario Balotelli: Liverpool striker is charged for Instagram post

Last updated at 16:17 GMT

Mario Balotelli has been charged by the Football Association for a post on social media which appeared to contain anti-Semitic and racist references.

The Liverpool striker posted a picture, which included Nintendo computer game character Super Mario, before quickly deleting it earlier this week.

The 24-year-old Italian tweeted to deny the text of the post was offensive, before then apologising.

The player has until 18:00 GMT on 15 December to respond to the charge.

A Liverpool club spokesman said: 'We acknowledge the FA's decision and the player will work through the process to answer the charge.

'While that process is on-going the club will make no further comment.'

An FA Statement 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.'

More to follow.

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