LONDON (Reuters) - West Ham United's Ravel Morrison has been charged by the Football Association over an alleged homophobic remark on Twitter.
The 19-year-old, who moved from Manchester United to the Championship (second division) leaders on transfer deadline day, is alleged to have made the comment in response to another user.
The FA wrote to Morrison last week for his views on the matter and have now formally charged him. He has until 1600 GMT on Friday to appeal.
A statement on the FA website (www.thefa.com) read : "West Ham United's Ravel Morrison has been charged under FA Rule E3 for use of abusive and/or insulting words including a reference to a person's sexual orientation."
Morrison, regarded as one of the brightest young prospects to emerge from Old Trafford in recent years, was allowed to leave the club for some 650,000 pounds after making just three substitute appearances in the League Cup over the last two seasons.
He was involved in a number of off-field controversies while at United and has yet to make his debut for the Hammers, who were relegated from the Premier League last season and are on course for an immediate return.
(Reporting by Mike Collett; Editing by Clare Fallon)
