A man has been charged by police for allegedly sending a racist message to former Portsmouth player Tal Ben Haim via Twitter.

Matthew Smith will appear at Andover Magistrates' Court next month after the authorities were alerted to an offensive tweet sent to Ben Haim, who left financially-stricken Portsmouth earlier this month.

Head of the Wessex Daytime Charging Unit within the Crown Prosecution Service, Stacey Turner, said: "We have today authorised Hampshire Constabulary to charge Matthew Smith, aged 33, with an offence under section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

"This follows the posting of an abusive message on Twitter directed at a professional football player who at the time the message was sent played for Portsmouth Football Club.

"We have carefully considered the evidence provided to us by the police and are satisfied that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to prosecute Matthew Smith with this offence."

The 33-year-old could face up to six months in jail if found guilty.