Middlesbrough defender Marc Bola was charged with “aggravated” misconduct by the Football Association for comments on a social media post that he shared nine years ago
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Middlesbrough defender Marc Bola has been charged with “aggravated” misconduct for comments he made on a social media post that was shared nine years ago.
The 23-year-old left-back is alleged by the Football Association to have posted “a reference to sexual orientation” back 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.”
Bola is an Arsenal academy graduate, although he failed to make a senior appearance after joining the Londoners at the age of 13.
The full-back wrapped up a permanent move to then-League One side Blackpool. After a strong season with the Seasiders, Bola was snapped up by current club Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee in 2019.
The Greenwich-born ace has racked up over 50 league appearances for Boro during his two years on Teeside.
A club spokesman said: “Middlesbrough Football Club are aware of an FA charge against Marc Bola with regard to comments made on social media when he was 14-years-old.
“The matter is the subject of FA disciplinary process and no further comment will be made at this time.”
Bola has played in all five of Boro’s Championship matches this season, having made four starts and one appearance from the bench.
Mirror Football contacted Bola’s representation CAA Base Ltd. but they declined to comment.