Port Vale striker Tom Pope charged with “aggravated breach” of FA rules over “improper” Rothschild tweet

Tom Pope, the Port Vale forward, has been charged by the Football Association (FA) over a tweet referencing the Rothschilds, and may face a sanction.

Responding to a request to predict the course of a hypothetical Third World War, Mr Pope tweeted: “We invade Iran then Cuba then North Korea then the Rothchilds [sic] are crowned champions of every bank on the planet – the end.” The tweet has since been deleted.

After being warned by other Twitter users that his tweet could be construed as racist, he said: “I mentioned them owning the banks which is fact and now I’m facing all this,” adding: “How is it racist?? Seriously is someone out to destroy me or what?”

It is understood that the FA has considered launching an investigation, as is Mr Pope’s Port Vale club.

Mr Pope has since apologised.

The FA said: “Tom Pope has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a social media post on 5 January 2020.

“It is alleged that his social media activity breaches FA Rule E3(1) as it was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute.

“It is also alleged that his social media activity constitutes an ‘Aggravated Breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3(2), as it included a reference, whether expressed or implied, to race and/or religion and/or ethnic origin.

“The Port Vale forward has until 12th February 2020 to respond.”

Mr Pope has already been banned for one match and given a fine in connection with other, unrelated “improper comments” on social media.