Manny Smith is charged by FA over comments

Walsall ace Manny Smith today faced a four-figure fine after being charged with improper conduct by the FA.

The defender has until 4pm tomorrow to respond to the rap after he made alleged homophobic comments to Saddlers fan Kevin Paddock on Twitter.

Smith was charged last night along with Newcastle's Nile Ranger and OPR's on loan Manchester United striker Federico Macheda.

An FA statement said: "Newcastle United's Nile Ranger, Walsall's Manny Smith and Manchester United's Federico Macheda, currently on loan at Queens Park Rangers, have all been charged with improper conduct in relation to comments made on Twitter.

"The charge is that the players acted in a way which was improper and/or brought the game into disrepute.

"It is further alleged that the breach included a reference to a person's or persons' sexual orientation."

The FA is cracking down on homophobia and also trying to take a strong stance about comments on Twitter after the launch of the Football v Homophobia campaign earlier this month.

They have already fined West Ham's Ravel Morrison £7,000 and warned him of his future conduct after the former Manchester United midfielder admitted the charge of using 'abusive and/or insulting words including a reference to a person's sexual orientation'.

Smith had already apologised in person to Paddock after the Twitter row 11 days ago and issued a statement expressing his regret.

He said: "I realise that, as a professional sports person, I am a role model and my conduct, both in person and via social networking sites, should reflect this. I met with Kevin in person and apologised to him face-to-face.

"I just want to concentrate on my football and help Walsall maintain our League One status. I apologise to all our supporters and everyone connected with the club for this unfortunate incident."

He had also been axed by boss Dean Smith for footballing reasons before the nature of his comments became apparent to the manager, ahead of the 2-0 win over Wycombe.

Boss Smith confirmed the club had taken internal action over the incident but insisted he trusted his team over their Twitter use.

Since Smith - who played in the reserves' 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United yesterday - was dropped the Saddlers are unbeaten in three games and sit outside the League One drop zone on goal difference.