Babel charged by FA for Twitter jibe

Liverpool’s Ryan Babel has been charged with improper conduct by the FA for posting negative comments about referee Howard Webb on Twitter.

Babel took to the social networking tool to vent his frustration following Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday.

United took the lead in the opening minute when Dimitar Berbatov was handed a controversial penalty, while Webb handed Reds captain Steven Gerrard a straight red card in the first half for a challenge on Michael Carrick.

Babel posted a digitally-altered photo of Webb wearing a Manchester United shirt on Twitter – implying the referee had favoured United in the match – and wrote: “And they call him one of the best referees. That’s a joke.”

Webb later apologised via the same medium for his ’emotional reaction’, but the FA have nevertheless charged the Holland international.

“Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has been charged with improper conduct,” read a statement on the FA’s official website.

“The charge relates to comments and images published by the player on Twitter concerning referee Howard Webb.”

“Babel has until 4pm on Thursday, 13 January to respond to the charge.”

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish earlier said he hoped the FA would forgive his striker for what he deemed a harmless joke.

“Maybe I’ve been out of the game too long but let’s see if they can find a sense of humour. He apologised straight away,” Dalglish said.