Southampton forward Charlie Austin has been charged by the FA for allegedly using an abusive gesture during Sunday’s loss to Manchester City.
The forward only came on for the final 22 minutes of the 3-1 loss at St Mary’s Stadium but it is alleged he made a gesture that was abusive and/or insulting.
Related: Austin Blasts Ref As Saints Are Held
Austin has until 6 pm on Monday to respond to the charge, but if found guilty then he could face a ban, potentially rule him out of Southampton’s next Premier League match – an away clash with Leicester at the King Power Stadium on January 12.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side slipped into the relegation zone despite drawing 0-0 with Chelsea on Wednesday night and they are already without one player due to suspension, as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is currently serving a four-match ban after he was sent off for the second time this season against City.
Southampton are in FA Cup action this weekend when they travel to Pride Park to take on Championship high-flyers Derby.
