Worcester City's Lee Smith charged over 'racist' tweets
A Worcester City footballer is being prosecuted after allegedly posting racist comments on Twitter.
Lee Smith, 28, will appear at Gloucester Magistrates' Court charged with writing racially aggravated words.
A tweet from Mr Smith's account on Armistice Day last November prompted other users to accuse him of "spreading hatred".
He was temporarily suspended by the club and arrested on suspicion of committing a public order offence.
The club lifted its suspension the following week.
At the time, Gloucestershire Police had advised Mr Smith about his behaviour and no further action was taken.
The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed he will now appear in court in May charged with writing racially aggravated words likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to the public.
Club vice chairman Colin Layland said he did not wish to comment but said the club had not been aware of the charges until recently.
He also added that Mr Smith's contract runs out at the end of the season.
Mr Smith, who lives in Gloucestershire, is due to appear at Gloucester Magistrates' Court on 4 May.