Source: PA
Babel accepts charge
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 Holland 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.
The 24-year-old quickly posted an apology but it could not prevent him becoming the first person to be charged by the Football Association for an indiscretion on the social networking site.
In the wake of the charge Babel was backed by both manager Kenny Dalglish and Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association.
"I think it is only a bit of fun, a joke. Maybe I've been out of the game too long," said Dalglish.
