FA Drops Hammer on Charlie Austin

Southampton striker Charlie Austin has been charged after appearing to make an obscene gesture towards Manchester City supporters, the Football Association (FA) in England said on Thursday.

Austin was caught making a two-fingered gesture towards a section of booing away fans at St Mary’s Stadium while being substituted during Southampton’s 3-1 English Premier League defeat on Sunday.

“It is alleged that Mr Austin’s gesture in or around the 68th minute of the fixture was abusive and/or insulting,” the FA said in a statement.

Austin has until 1800 GMT on Monday to respond to the charge.