Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey charged for using discriminatory language by the FA

Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has been charged with using abusive language about an opponent's race, ethnicity or nationality during the Magpies' game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday 17 September.

The 24-year-old England international - who signed for Newcastle from Swansea City earlier this year – is alleged to have used offensive language towards the end of Newcastle's 2-0 defeat at St James' Park.

"It is alleged that in or around the 87th minute of the fixture, he used abusive and/or insulting words towards an opponent," a statement from the Football Association (FA) explained.

"It is further alleged that this breach of Rule E3(1) is an 'Aggravated Breach' as defined in Rule E3(2), as it included reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or nationality."

The incident is alleged to have occurred around the time of Vurnon Anita's sending off. The 27-year-old Dutchman was dismissed for a challenge on Wolves substitute Ivan Cavaleiro, with Newcastle already trailing 2-0.

Shelvey has been given until 16 November to respond to the FA charge.