Burnley striker who told gay people to ‘burn and die’ charged with misconduct by FA
By Will Stroude
Burnley striker Andre Gray has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) after a violently homophobic tweet sent by the professional footballer was discovered over the weekend.
The four-year-old tweet calling for gay people to “burn” began circulating on social media as Gray’ scored first Premier League goal during Burnley’s 2-0 victory over Liverpool on Saturday (August 20).
“Is it just me our are there gays everywhere? #Burn #Die #MakesMeSick” the 25-year-old – who was playing for Hinckley Town at the time – wrote.
Having already released a lengthy statement apologising for any offence he “may” have caused (because calling for gay people to be burned to death is, you know, a grey area) and claiming he was “a completely different person” when he sent the tweet, Gray will now right faces disciplinary action from the game’s governing body.
“Andre Gray has been charged with misconduct in respect of social media comments made between 9 January 2012 and 11 March 2012,” read a statement on the FA’s official website.
“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).
“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).”
If found guilty, Gray will likely face and hefty fine and a potential match ban. He has until 6pm on Wednesday 31 August to respond to the charge.