11 Years Ago, Ryan Babel Was Fined £10,000 For Tweeting Image Of Howard Webb In Manchester United Shirt

The decisions by referee Howard Webb led to criticism from Liverpool fans and Babel took to Twitter with a photoshopped picture of Webb in a United shirt, with the caption: "And they call him one of the best referees? That's a joke. SMH [shaking my head]."

Babel later posted two tweets for damage control, saying: "My apology if they take my posted pic seriously. This is just a emotional reaction after losing an important game," and "Sorry Howard Webb!"

But it was too late.

The Dutchman was charged with improper conduct and was fined £10,000 for the Twitter post with regulatory commission chairman Roger Burden saying: "Social network sites, like Twitter, must be regarded as being in the public domain.

"All participants need to be aware, in the same way as if making a public statement in other forms of media, that any comments would be transmitted to a wider audience. It is their responsibility to ensure only appropriate comments are used."

Babel has previously been in trouble with manager Rafael Benitez for tweeting about being dropped for a game against Stoke City "without explanation".

"The Boss left me out," Babel wrote on his Twitter feed. "No explanation."

Benitez said after the game: "Everyone has a Twitter. It's impossible to stop people talking. It's not like in the past. It is more than just football."