Alfie Barker charged by FA over offensive messages on Twitter
Wednesday 18 January 2017 11:58, UK
Former Hitchin Town player Alfie Barker has been charged by the FA over comments he made on social media earlier this month.
Barker has been charged with misconduct after sending messages to Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter on Twitter relating to his stillborn daughter.
They were sent soon after Arsenal came back from 3-0 down to claim a 3-3 draw with Bournemouth.
Barker, who had been playing on loan for Spartan South Midlands League Division One side Codicote Town, was sacked by Hitchin soon after the FA investigation was opened.
Arter has a tattoo on the inside of his right forearm which is dedicated to his daughter Renee, who was stillborn on December 10, 2015.
Barker issued an apology a day after posting the messages, which were subsequently deleted.
An FA statement read: "It is alleged the player posted comments which were abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute contrary to Rule E3 (1)."
Barker has until January 25 to respond to the charge.
