FA apologise and delete tweet mocking former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte

Antonio Conte won't be too hurt by the Football Association's reposting of a tweet which disrespected him.

The massive payoff coming to Conte after being sacked by Chelsea will cushion the blow of any derision but many supporters weren't happy with the FA after they shared and praised a tweet from Willian. It's no secret that Conte had become an unpopular figure by some individuals at Stamford Bridge prior to his sacking last week. Blues winger Willian was one such figure who had clearly grown tired of the Italian's management, having started only 20 Premier League matches last season. Following Chelsea's FA Cup triumph over Manchester United in May, Willian posted an image to social media in which Conte was purposely obscured by three trophy emojis, a dig which was not lost on fans. The official FA Cup Twitter account posted the photograph again on Tuesday, which was World Emoji Day, and praised Willian's creativity. The tweet remained in place for several hours before some accused the FA of insensitivity and it was eventually deleted. An FA spokesperson told Sky Sports: "We apologise for any offence caused and we have removed the tweet." Conte and Chelsea parted ways last Friday, with Maurizio Sarri taking charge of the Blues for the coming season.