Source: PA
Use Twitter but be respectful, Martinez tells players
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez insists he has no problem with players using Twitter - as long as the views they express on it are not disrespectful.
Liverpool forward Ryan Babel issued an apology and was charged with improper conduct by the Football Association having posted a picture and comments about referee Howard Webb on Twitter following Sunday's FA Cup defeat at Manchester United.
On Wednesday it was the account of one of Martinez's players, Mauro Boselli, that created headlines after the striker wrote in Spanish: "Six months at Genoa. I am very happy."
A deal to send the Argentinian out on loan for the rest of the season is not yet complete but should be soon, and Martinez said he felt Boselli had done nothing wrong. The Latics boss accepts Twitter's place in modern football, but believes respect for one's fellow professionals remains vitally important.
"I think you need to move on with the times and what before was just players talking to the media is now using these kinds of websites," Martinez said. "It is part of the modern game and everything comes down to respect. You have to be respectful with everything you say.
"Players are public figures and they need to be responsible for everything they say and do, because they are true ambassadors for kids. It is important, whatever the way they do it, that they are very respectful. It doesn't matter if it is on Twitter, or other websites or in the media - you need to take that responsibility."
