FA charges Tottenham's Alli over coronavirus video

The English Football Association (FA) has charged Tottenham's Dele Alli with misconduct for a social media post that appeared to trivialize the coronavirus outbreak.

It is alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder’s post 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 post constitutes an “Aggravated Breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3(2), as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin and/or nationality.

Alli posted a video to Snapchat on Feb. 9 that appeared to ridicule an unsuspecting Asian man amid fears of the communicable COVID-19 virus that originated in Wuhan, China. The video showed Alli sporting a face mask in an airport lounge, accompanied by the message, "Corona whattt, please listen with volume."

There are no official sanctions for the misuse of social media, though Alli could face a one-match ban and fine after Manchester City's Bernardo Silva was reprimanded for a tweet about teammate Benjamin Mendy in November.

Silva was suspended one match and levied a £50,000 fine for comparing Mendy as a child with the mascot of Spanish candy brand Conguitos. Silva's post was swiftly condemned by anti-racism football organization Kick It Out and anti-discrimination groups.

Alli apologized for the video earlier in February, saying, "It wasn't funny. I realized that immediately and took it down. I let myself down and the club."

"I don't want you guys to have that impression of me. It isn't something that should be joked about. Sending all my love and thoughts and prayers for everyone in China," Alli added.

Alli has until March 5 to respond to the FA's charge.