Edoardo Cellino charged by FA over fan messages

Leeds United director Edoardo Cellino has been charged by the Football Association over comments made to a fan on social media.

Cellino, the son of Leeds owner Massimo Cellino, allegedly used offensive language towards the supporter in private messages exchanged over Facebook.

Following the incident, Edoardo Cellino released a statement to the Daily Mail apologising for his behaviour.

‘”I would like to apologise for any offence that I have caused,” he said. “After receiving a lot of abusive messages my emotions got the better of me and I reacted in a way that was unprofessional.

“I believe the messages were private but I know I should not have done this. I did not fully understand the severity of the words used as English is not my first language. Again, I can only apologise.”

Nevertheless, the FA confirmed on Wednesday he would have a case to answer

“Leeds United director Edoardo Cellino has been charged by The FA in relation to comments made on social media,” the FA statement read.

“It is alleged the comments were abusive and/or insulting and/or improper in contravention of Rule E3(1).

“It is further alleged that this breach of Rule E3(1) is an “Aggravated Breach” as defined in Rule E3(2), as it includes a reference to disability.

“He has until 11 April, 2016 to respond to the charge.”

Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston received a six-week football ban in June last year after the FA found him guilty of a similar offence via a text message to a supporter.