Burnley striker Andre Gray has been charged by the Football Association in relation to homophobic messages posted on social media four years ago.
Tweets emerged last weekend of comments made by the 25-year-old between January 9 and March 11, 2012, overshadowing his maiden Premier League strike against Liverpool shortly beforehand.
The FA has since launched an investigation into the historical comments and now charged Gray with misconduct, with the Englishman joining the likes of Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand and Robert Huth in incurring a fine or ban for comments made on social media.
"It is alleged the comments were abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute contrary to FA Rule E3(1)," an FA statement read.
"It is further alleged that these breaches include reference to an "aggravating factor", namely, sexual orientation and/or gender and/or colour and/or race contrary to FA Rule E3(2)."
Gray, who has since apologised for his comments, has until next Wednesday to respond to the charge.
Daniel Lewis
