Manchester City forward Bernardo Silva has been handed a one-match ban, a £50,000 fine and will have to complete an education course after admitting a breach of the FA's rules around racism.
The Portugal international was charged for improper conduct by the governing body after posting an image of team-mate Benjamin Mendy as a child on Twitter alongside a picture of a cartoon character on a packet of Conguitos, a sweet available in Spain and Portugal.
The forward who, alongside Mendy, joined City from French side Monaco in 2017, swiftly deleted the tweet following a hefty backlash before later tweeting: “Can’t even joke with a friend these days... You guys …”.
Silva admitted to an 'aggravated breach' of FA Rule E3, which can lead to a six-match ban being handed down. However, certain mitigating factors in the case heard by the FA saw his suspension reduced to just one game.
The 25-year-old's early admission, exemplary character and lack of racist intent in posting the tweet all counted in his favour, with Mendy also writing to the FA in order to defend his team-mate.
Silva will also have to attend a face-to-face education programme within four months.
Silva will miss City's clash with third-place Chelsea following the international break as Pep Guardiola's side look to bounce back from their 3-1 defeat to title rivals Liverpool at the weekend.
