West Ham United and England striker Carlton Cole has been charged with improper conduct for comments about Ghana fans on Twitter during last month's international at Wembley last month.
The English FA added on its website that Cole has until April 13 to respond to the charge.
Cole, who was born to Nigerian parents, caused controversy on Twitter after making ill-advised immigration jokes about the Ghanaians at Wembley.
The West Ham striker posted several comments during England’s 1-1 draw with Ghana all of which he has now removed after he was inundated with criticism and complaints from a large section of his followers.
Firstly, Cole wrote: ‘Immigration has surrounded the wembley premises! I knew it was a trap! Hahahaha,’ Cole wrote on the social network in response to the large Ghana contingent at the game.
The England international, who wasn’t involved in the game, then posted: ‘The only way to get out safely is to wear an england jersey and paint your face w/ the St. George’s’flag!’
Realising that his comments were causing offence, Cole tweeted: ‘To my ghanian brothers dont take it so seriously, its just jokes! You’ve played well! Done africa proud!’
There were around 20,000 Ghana fans at Wembley for the match, which was considered to be one of the most successful friendly games in years.
Cole, who also posted a later comment saying his remarks should not have been taken seriously, is not the first sportsman to fall foul of the authorities because of idle chat on Twitter.
Former Liverpool player Ryan Babel was fined 10,000 pounds ($16,390) in January after posting a doctored photograph showing referee Howard Webb wearing a Manchester United shirt following United's 1-0 victory over Liverpool.
England cricketer Kevin Pietersen was also fined following Twitter comments last year after he was dropped from the one-day series against Pakistan.
Below are the comments made aganist Ghana fans by Carlton Cole on Twitter
