Babel accepts FA charge

Premier League giants Liverpool have announced that winger Ryan Babel has admitted a charge of improper conduct.

The Dutch international has admitted the charge handed down by the Football Association and will face a personal hearing on January 17, which he requested.

Babel was charged after posting disparaging comments on social networking site Twitter about referee Howard Webb’s performance in Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round defeat at Old Trafford against Manchester United last weekend.

“And they call him one of the best referees? That’s a joke. SMH (shaking my head),” Babel posted on his official Twitter page, before uploading an altered photo of Webb in a Manchester United shirt.

Babel posted the message and image after Webb awarded a controversial penalty against Liverpool in the first half.

Webb also sent off Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard in the same fixture.

But Liverpool said Babel would not be fighting the charge.

“Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has admitted a charge of improper conduct,” a statement on the club’s official website confirmed.