Newcastle’s Steven Taylor may face FA action despite apologising for ‘racist’ tweet

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor has apologised after posting what could be interpreted as a racist message on Twitter, but could still be charged by the Football Association.

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor has apologised after posting what could be interpreted as a racist message on Twitter, but could still be charged by the Football Association.

Taylor issued a swift apology after yesterday’s ill-judged tweet, believed to be intended to mock black team-mates Papiss Cissé, Vurnon Anita, Moussa Sissoko and Massadio Haidara, in response to the latter teasing him over his attempts at learning French.

But despite the quick retraction, the 27-year-old could still face an FA charge and be fined by Newcastle.

His original post said: ‘It’s always good to see you guys smiling’, with an attached picture depicting team-mate Anita and three other black faces.

But within minutes the tweet had been removed and Taylor posted: ‘Apologies if my tweet offended anybody.’

And Haidara, who Taylor’s original response was aimed at, defended his team-mate and insisted no Newcastle player had taken any offence.

He wrote: ‘It’s just bander [sic] with Papiss, Massi, Vurn and me. He joke with me 2 min before.’

Taylor also said sorry to the club privately, but the FA are already believed to have contacted the Magpies to request an explanation from Taylor, before deciding on any further action.

Adapted from The Metro