West Brom forward investigated by FA following expletive Twitter rant

Jo Harrison

West Bromwich Albion forward Charlie Austin has been asked by the Football Association to explain his comments directed towards Southampton fans on social media, according to reports.

According to the PA news agency, Austin is under investigation by the FA after a heated social media rant with Southampton fans following the club’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Austin, 30, was an unused substitute for the Baggies as Matty Cash earned Forest a late point at the Hawthorns, despite the hosts being in front twice.

The former Saints forward had a moment to forget when he initially re-tweeted a post about the dangers of social media, before replying to two Southampton fans in a series of expletive tweets.

The striker joined Championship high-flyers West Brom from Southampton in a reported £4 million deal after his three-year spell at St. Mary’s came to an end.

The experienced forward has proved a smart acquisition by the Baggies, scoring nine goals in 28 appearances for Slaven Bilic’s side, who currently sit top of the Championship.

Austin made 80 appearances for Southampton, scoring 20 goals in all competitions including a memorable debut goal against Manchester United in 2016, before leaving the south coast for new pastures in the West Midlands.

The tweets in question have since been deleted from the forward’s account and the FA are set to take action on his comments.

West Brom, who sit four points clear at the top of the Championship table, return to action against Bristol City on Saturday.

Boss Slaven Bilic has impressed in his debut season with the Baggies and has drawn praise from the club’s chief executive Mark Jenkins.

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