The Saints striker has until 8pm GMT on January 7 to respond to a charge relating to an incident in the Premier League home loss to Manchester City.
Southampton striker Charlie Austin has been charged by the Football Association over an “abusive or insulting” gesture during the Saints’ 3-1 loss against Manchester City.
The incident concerns the 29-year-old’s conduct as he made way for substitute Shane Long in the 68th minute of the Premier League game at St Mary’s on Sunday, December 30.
Austin, who has scored only twice in the Premier League this season, was booked 10 minutes before his substitution and appeared to be jeered by some supporters as he was coming off.
The forward – valued at approximately £9million according to Transfermarkt – has until 8pm GMT on Monday, January 7 to respond to the FA’s charge, Southampton confirmed in a statement.
Following the defeat to the Citizens, Austin came on as a late substitute for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side in their 0-0 draw at Chelsea, which saw Saints slip into the bottom three of the table.
After Southampton published their statement on their player’s FA charge, some Saints fans took to Twitter to express their opinions on the matter:
Austin has scored 20 goals in 71 Southampton appearances since his move from QPR three years ago, according to Transfermarkt.
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