V-ERY NAUGHTY
Charlie Austin facing FA action after obscene gesture towards Man City fans after being subbed off
The Southampton striker flicked the 'V' sign in the direction of the away end
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CHARLIE AUSTIN could face an FA investigation after aiming an obscene gesture at Manchester City fans.
The Southampton striker could be seen flicking the 'V' sign towards the away end after he was subbed off during the 3-1 defeat to City.
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City fans were booing Austin as he walked off the pitch to be replaced by Shane Long - although it's not clear if there was more from the City fans that sparked his reaction.
Neither Ralph Hasenhuttl nor Pep Guardiola commented on the incident in their post-match press conferences.
Video footage will be watched by a three-person FA panel on Monday.
Referee Paul Tierney must report that he missed the incident.
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Austin may yet avoid a ban.
In February, Watford striker Troy Deeney escaped punishment for putting his middle finger up to Chelsea fans after scoring a penalty.
The panel failed to agree on whether Deeney deserved a retrospective red card.
The FA said: "The response was not unanimous, therefore, no disciplinary action will follow. Nevertheless, The FA will write to the player and warn him as to his future conduct."
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However, that decision does not mean Austin is in the clear.
In 2013, then-Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere was given a two-match ban for putting his middle finger up to Man City fans during a 4-2 defeat at the Etihad.
Dele Alli was also banned one international match for jokingly swearing at England team-mate Kyle Walker - although Fifa and FA rules are different.
Southampton lost 3-1 to Man City with Guardiola's side just about keeping the title race with Liverpool open.
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Austin had a brilliant chance to open the scoring in the opening minutes, but completely fluffed his lines allowing Ederson to collect.
David Silva opened the scoring barely 90 seconds later, before James Ward-Prowse scored and own goal and Sergio Aguero headed in a third.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who had scored the equaliser for Saints, was sent off late on for a nasty tackle on Fernandinho.
Manager Hasenhuttl called the red card - and subsequent ban - "a disaster."
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