Man City’s Bernardo Silva Handed One-Game Ban, & Compulsory Education For ‘Racist’ Tweet

The Manchester City winger will also have to undergo education
following his racially-charged post on social media.

Manchester City winger Bernardo Silva has been handed a one-game
ban and a £50,000 ($64,160) fine for a tweet aimed at team-mate
Benjamin Mendy in September.

Silva tweeted a photo of Mendy as a child alongside an old image
from Spanish company ‘Conguitos’ that has been condemned for racist
undertones, with the caption: “Guess who?”

Mendy did not take offence, replying with laughing emojis, but
others quickly pointed out the racial aspect of Silva’s
remarks.

The former Benfica and Monaco midfielder deleted the entry soon
after before commenting: “Can’t even joke with a friend these
days…You guys…”

Pep Guardiola and several City players leapt to Silva’s defence,
stating that the midfielder and Mendy are close friends while
adding that the Portugal star is not racist.

He was charged by the FA for the post, and will now miss out on
one match as a result of the social media post.

“Bernardo Silva has been suspended for one first team
competitive fixture, fined £50,000 and must complete face-to-face
education after admitting a breach of FA Rule E3,” the FA said in a
statement.

“The Manchester City midfielder’s social media activity on 22
September 2019 breached FA Rule E3(1), as it was insulting and/or
improper and/or brought the game into disrepute, and constituted an
“Aggravated Breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3(2), as it
included reference, whether expressed or implied, to race and/or
colour and/or ethnic origin.”

The 25-year-old could have been suspended for up to six matches
for the incident, but Silva’s intent, cooperation and lack of
history of past transgressions led to his one-game ban.

“The Commission took account of the fact that there are a number
of features which can properly be said to mitigate the misconduct,”
the statement read. “In reaching its decision the Commission has
taken careful account in particular of the following matters,
namely that: a) The Player did not have any knowledge of the
historical connotations of the Conguitos character. b) His tweet
was not intended by him to be either racist or offensive in any
way.

“c) The tweet was promptly deleted by the Player. d) The Player
and his Club have taken steps themselves to ensure that the Player
has a greater understanding of his responsibilities on social
media. e) The Player made an early admission in full cooperation
with the disciplinary process. f) The Player has an exemplary
character and disciplinary record.”

Silva has scored five goals in 11 Premier League appearances for
City this season while featuring in six other matches in other
competitions.

Following the international break, City are set to face Chelsea
at home on November 23 after losing to title favourites Liverpool
last time out.