FA charges Mario Ballotelli after posting offensive photo on social media

The Football Association has charged Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli for an offensive picture he posted on Instagram.

While a punishment was not revealed, Balotelli has until Dec. 15 to respond to the charge.

The FA went on to outline the exact reason for the charge:

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.

In a failed attempt to defend himself, Balotelli also submitted various examples of the racial abuse he receives on social media before the FA made its decision.