English FA charges Leeds defender with racially abusing an opponent

LONDON (AP) The English Football Association has charged Leeds defender Giuseppe Bellusci with racially abusing an opponent.

Norwich striker Cameron Jerome, who is black, complained to the referee during a second-tier match in October that he was verbally abused by Bellusci following a confrontation between the pair.

The FA misconduct charge alleges Bellusci used ''abusive and/or insulting words'' including a ''reference to ethnic origin and/or color and/or race.''

Bellusci has until Jan. 2 to respond to the charge. Leeds says as there is ''no third party evidence,'' the Italian will be denying the charge.

The League Championship club added that Bellusci has ''consistently made it clear to the club that he did not use racist language.''