Bernardo gets extension to respond to race charge
Bernardo Silva has been granted an extension by the Football Association to respond to the misconduct charge over a controversial tweet about Benjamin Mendy, his Manchester City team-mate.
The City playmaker had been given until yesterday to reply after he invited accusations of racial stereotyping by posting an image of Mendy as a child next to a picture of a mascot for a Spanish chocolate peanut brand.
But Bernardo and City submitted an application to the chairman of the FA’S judicial panel requesting more time to respond to the charge, owing to the player’s international commitments with Portugal.
As such, Bernardo has now been given until Oct 21 to respond to the charge, which was classed an “aggravated breach” as the “insulting and/or improper” post included reference to Mendy’s “race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin”.
Bernardo was charged after the FA studied submissions from himself and Mendy, who wrote a statement of support indicating no offence had been taken. The case will now be heard independently.
If found guilty, Bernardo could face a ban and/or fine and be enrolled on an education course. On-field incidents of racism carry an automatic ban of a minimum of six matches but discrimination on social media does not trigger a mandatory ban of that length.
An independent regulatory commission would not be forced to impose a six-match suspension for a first-time offence in this instance, although it would still be up to the commission to determine what sanction it deems appropriate.
It is thought that, for offences committed in writing, the FA will encourage regulatory commissions to consider applying a mandatory minimum punishment that can be increased, where necessary, if there are aggravating features. Sanctions, similarly, could be reduced if there are mitigating factors.
Bernardo deleted the tweet 45 minutes after it was published and followed it up with the message: “Can’t even joke with a friend these days.” Pep Guardiola, the City manager, has repeatedly insisted the tweet was a “joke” between friends.