"I now understand that out of context [it] may have the opposite effect. Not all Mexicans have moustache, not all black people jump high and not all Jewish people love money. I used the cartoon done by someone else because it has Super Mario and I thought it was funny and not offensive. Again, I'm sorry.”
The £16m summer signing proceeded to delete the post, which also included the words: "Don't be a racist! Be like Mario. He's an Italian plumber created by Japanese people, who speaks English and looks like a Mexican."
If found guilty, the Italy international will face a mandatory suspension of at least five matches.
The incident follows Wigan chairman Dave Whelan being charged by the FA for making racist remarks, including the claim that Jews "chase money".
