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Former Southampton midfielder Leeta Rutherford has been charged by the Football Association for using ableist language towards an opponent during a game.
Rutherford is accused of misconduct during a Women's Championship fixture against Sunderland on 12 February.
The FA charge alleges the 35-year-old used discriminatory language which "included a reference… to disability".
Rutherford, who left Southampton in April, has until 8 June to respond.
The FA statement reads: "It is alleged that her language towards a Sunderland Ladies player was abusive and/or indecent and/or insulting, and it is also further alleged that the language used was discriminatory as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to disability."
Rutherford made 15 appearances for Southampton in 2022-23, helping them finish sixth in the second-tier Championship.
However she left the club with five league games remaining in the season after being offered a full-time job outside of football. Manager Marieanne Spacey-Cale said that Rutherford "left us due to making a life choice".
Spacey-Cale added: "She was offered a fantastic role somewhere and you know, in terms of her family life, has to sustain herself and support herself in the future."
