CHARLIE AUSTIN HAS been charged by the Football Association over “an abusive and/or insulting” gesture during Southampton’s defeat to Manchester City on 30 December.
As the striker was substituted in the second half of the Premier League match, which City won 3-1, he was booed by a section of the St Mary’s Stadium crowd.
Television cameras showed the 29-year-old appearing to make a two-fingered sign in response.
Austin has until 6pm local time on 7 January to respond to the FA charge.
The FA’s full statement in relation to the incident reads:
“Southampton’s Charlie Austin has been charged following the game against Manchester City on Sunday [30 December 2018].
“It is alleged that Mr Austin’s gesture in or around the 68th minute of the fixture was abusive and/or insulting. He has until 18:00 on 7 January 2019 to respond.”
Southampton currently sit in the bottom three of the Premier League table.
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