Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is facing a five-match ban after being charged by the Football Association for appearing to make a Nazi salute.
Sportsmail were first to reveal on January 8 that the FA had opened an investigation after the Wales international was photographed on social media seemingly making the gesture on team night out.
And the FA confirmed on Wednesday that Hennessey has been charged in relation to breaching rules relating to ethnic origin or religious beliefs.
And Hennessey could face a five-game suspension - as well as being ordered to undertake educational work - if found guilty of the charge.
And FA statement confirmed: 'Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.
'It is alleged that a gesture he made, which was captured by a photograph and posted on social media, breached Rule E3[1] as it was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute.
'It is further alleged that this constitutes an 'Aggravated Breach', which is defined in Rule E3[2], as it included reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or religion and/or belief.
'Hennessey has until 31 January 2019 to respond to the charge.'
At the time Hennessey denied he was making a Nazi salute, insisting he was merely calling towards the photo taker.
Earlier this month Hennessey wrote on his Twitter account: 'Yesterday evening I had a meal with my team-mates and we had a group photograph.
'I waved and shouted at the person taking the picture to get on with it and at the same time put my hand over my mouth to make the sound carry.
'It's been brought to my attention that frozen in a moment by the camera this looks like I am making a completely inappropriate type of salute.
'I can assure everyone I would never ever do that and any resemblance to that kind of gesture is absolutely coincidental. Love and peace Wayne.'