Bernardo Silva ban: Man City star suspended for one game after controversial tweet to teammate Benjamin Mendy

The Portuguese was criticised for his post, which was condemned by Kick It Out and anti-discrimination groups

Bernardo Silva has been given a one-game ban for the Manchester City star’s controversial tweet to teammate Benjamin Mendy, The FA have confirmed.

Silva will now miss the home match against Chelsea on November 23 due to the social media post comparing Mendy with the mascot of Spanish confectionery brand Conguitos.

It was quickly condemned by Kick It Out and anti-discrimination groups, leading to The FA charging the player for “aggravated misconduct”.

The punishment was “accepted by all concerned”, with City not intending to appeal the ban, while mitigating circumstances ensured the outcome was a one-game suspension instead of the standard six.

The FA underlined the fact that Silva “did not have any knowledge of the historical connotations of the Conguitos character”, no intent for the tweet to be considered racist or offensive in any way, his decision to swiftly delete it and his exemplary record as reasons for the reduced ban.

Silva deleted his tweet comparing Mendy to the cartoon (@BernardoCSilva)

A statement from The FA read: “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 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.”