Bernardo Silva charged with misconduct by FA

Charge relates to social media post to close friend Benjamin Mendy

Bernardo Silva has been charged with misconduct by the FA regarding a social media post sent to team-mate Benjamin Mendy.

Silva tweeted an image of a character used on a packet of sweets sold in Portugal and Spain, comparing it to an image of Mendy as a child. Silva quickly deleted the tweet, and then posted "Can't even joke with a friend these days... You guys...".

Silva and Mendy are close friends, and the French international wrote a letter to the FA in support of his team mate. Pep Guardiola has also repeatedly defended Silva, whilst his international manager Fernando Santos said the decision to charge him was "completely absurd".

A statement on the FA website read: "Bernardo Silva has been charged with misconduct for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a social media post on September 22, 2019.

'It is alleged that the Manchester City player's activity breaches FA Rule E3(1) as it was insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute.

"It is further alleged that the activity constitutes an 'aggravated breach', which is defined in FA Rule E3(2), as it included reference, whether expressed or implied, to race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin. The midfielder has until October 9, 2019 to provide a response."