Liverpool footballers in trouble over Twitter rants

A quick post from me before I head off for a couple of days with work.  I couldn’t go away without putting together the top 2 twitter/sport stories that have made the mainstream media headlines.

Ryan Babel

Once again, the Liverpool footballer put his foot in it with a well thought out tweet following the Manchester United v Liverpool game yesterday.  The mocking up of referee Howard Webb in a Man Utd shirt was probably some of his most creative work to date but has landed him in how water with the FA.  It was taken down shortly afterwards with an apology to the most unpopular person on the red side of the Mersey; “My apology if they take my posted pic seriously. This is just a emotional reaction after losing an important game”

The son of new Liverpool Manager Kenny Dalglish, Paul, also vented his anger on Twitter; “Howard Webb MBE. Manc of the Busby Era. I am not normally bitter, as you know, but it is different rules against them.” And following that up with “Fergie has his puppet Howard Webb on a piece of string.” Together with a photo of Fergie with his arm round Webb.

Glenn Johnson

Not a great time for Liverpool FC off or on the pitch at the moment.  Johnsomn turned on Sky Sports football pundit and ex-Arsenal footballer Paul Merson with an angry tirade after ‘Merse’ had questioned his attitude in recent games.  He tweeted; ”Comments from alcoholic drug-abusers are not really gonna upset me.  The only reason he’s on that show is coz he gambled all his money away. The clown!”

Liverpool have a very proactive attitude towards social media and been one of the pioneers on Twitter and Facebook in the Premier League.  It will be interesting to see how they and others view players being on the platforms if they continue to get caught out and also how the FA will view Babels’ swipe at Howard Webb or is it just players exercising their right to freedom of speech?

About author

Daniel McLaren
Daniel McLaren 820 posts

Dan is the Founder & CEO of Digital Sport. Can be found at sports industry events and heard every week on the Digital Sport Insider podcast. @DanielMcLaren

You might also like

SPORTEL 2021: Day One Recap

This year’s prestigious SPORTEL convention kicked off in sunny Monaco today, welcoming a host of familiar faces as well as plenty of new ones. Doors opened at 8:30am with businesses

Six Founding Riders Set To Bring The Vision Of The UCI Track Champions League To Life

Olympic Champions, UCI World Champions and World Record holders join the new track cycling competition debuting in November 2021 The UCI Track Champions League is delighted to announce that six

Sports related spending to soar this summer as pre-pandemic life resumes

New insights from eBay Ads UK reveal the potential for brands to engage with an excited but nervous nation as sports events get back on track  As pubs and indoor