Newcastle ace Jonjo Shelvey has today been charged by the Football Association. According to the FA’s press release, Shelvey has been charged with an aggravated breach of the FA Rule E3(1) alleging that it included a reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or nationality.
The incident took place during Newcastle United’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on the 17th of September and was reported by a colleague of Moroccan player Romain Saiss. Saiss is said to be the victim of the offence, however his limited understanding of the English language is the reason behind a teammate reporting the incident.
The Chronicle have since noted, Shelvey has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation, which United were made aware of following the game. He is yet to decide whether to appeal the charge, which must be answered by the 16th of November, three days before the Magpies’ fixture against Leeds United. If the charge is upheld, Shelvey could be banned for a minimum of five games, which would see him miss not only the fixture against Leeds United, but also Blackburn Rovers, Hull City, Nottingham Forest and Birmingham City.
The alleged offence took place in the 87th minute of the game, in the same timeframe that Vurnon Anita was sent off.
