Liverpool's Ryan Babel Accepts Charge For Twitter Remarks Following Manchester United Defeat

Forward unhappy with ref Webb after controversial clash.
Liverpool's Ryan Babel has admitted a charge of improper conduct for his remarks on Twitter after the FA Cup clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Babel posted a remark about referee Howard Webb's performance in the match and a mock picture of the World Cup final official in a Manchester United shirt.

Liverpool conceded a controversial first-minute penalty and had captain Steven Gerrard sent off in the game, leading Babel to post the picture and a message that read: "And they call him one of the best referees? That's a joke. SMH [shaking my head]."

The 24-year-old quickly posted an apology but it could not prevent him becoming the first person to be charged by the FA for an indiscretion on the social networking site.

The Holland international has requested a personal hearing and that will take place on January 17.

In the wake of the charge, Babel was backed by both manager Kenny Dalglish and Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association.

Dalglish said: "I think it is only a bit of fun, a joke. Maybe I've been out of the game too long".

And Taylor added: "I thought a warning letter would suffice.

"But it may be they need to put a marker down for the future because these sites are being accessed by the media so it can be the equivalent of being on the television or being in the national press.

"But I felt the fact that an apology had been made [would mean] we could move on."