Marc Bola charged with ‘aggravated’ misconduct for historical social media post
The 23-year-old left-back is alleged by the Football Association to have posted ‘a reference to sexual orientation’ in 2012
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Middlesbrough defender Marc Bola has been charged with “aggravated” misconduct for comments he made on social media nine years ago.
The 23-year-old left-back, who Boro signed from Blackpool in July 2019, is alleged by the Football Association to have posted “a reference to sexual orientation” in 2012.
An FA statement read: “Middlesbrough FC’s Marc Bola has been charged with a misconduct for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a social media post on April 14, 2012.
“It is alleged that this post is insulting and/or abusive and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute contrary to FA Rule E3.1.
“It is further alleged that this post constitutes an “aggravated breach” which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference to sexual orientation.
“The defender has until September 20, 2021 to provide his response to this charge.”
London-born Bola progressed through Arsenal’s academy and had loan spells at Notts County and Bristol Rovers before completing a permanent move to Blackpool in the summer of 2018.
He has featured in all five of Boro’s Championship matches this season, making four starts under manager Neil Warnock.