Liverpool have confirmed that Ryan Babel has admitted an FA charge of improper conduct following his criticism of referee Howard Webb.
Dutchman requests personal hearing after Twitter outburst
Liverpool have confirmed that Ryan Babel has admitted a Football Association charge of improper conduct following his criticism of referee Howard Webb.
The Dutchman has requested a personal hearing which will take place on 17th January, when he will learn his punishment.
Babel's charge relates to comments and images published on Twitter regarding Webb in the wake of Liverpool's FA Cup third-round defeat at Manchester United last weekend.
A short statement on the club's official website read: "Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has admitted a charge of improper conduct."
The 24-year-old had Tweeted: "And they call him one of the best referees? That's a joke. SMH (shaking my head)" and went on to forward a mocked-up picture of Webb wearing a United shirt.
Babel's actions came after the referee awarded a penalty against Liverpool in the first minute of their defeat at United before the match official went on to send off Steven Gerrard before half-time.
