Babel admits charge over Twitter criticism

LIVERPOOL forward Ryan Babel has admitted a charge of improper conduct in relation to him posting remarks about, and a picture of, referee Howard Webb on Twitter.

The Netherlands international has requested a personal hearing and that will take place next Monday, January 17.

After Sunday’s FA Cup exit at Manchester United, where Liverpool conceded a controversial first-minute penalty and had captain Steven Gerrard sent off, Babel posed a mocked-up picture of Webb wearing a United shirt.

He also wrote: “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.