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Dalglish hoping for FA leniency over Babel Twitter charge

ESPNsoccernet staff
January 11, 2011
Ryan Babel has been charged with with improper conduct by the FA © Getty Images
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Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish says he hopes the Football Association "can find a sense of humour" after charging Ryan Babel with improper conduct.

The Liverpool forward tweeted a doctored image of referee Howard Webb wearing a Manchester United shirt after the Merseyside club's 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday. Webb had awarded a contentious penalty to United.

The FA ensured Babel became the first player to be charged due to behaviour on Twitter but Dalglish, who is the only Premier League manager to use the site, has called for leniency.

"I think it is only a bit of fun," Dalglish said. "Maybe I've been out of the game too long but let's see if they can find a sense of humour. He apologised straight away. I don't think he's clever enough technically to have drawn that up himself!"

After sending the offending tweet, Babel then apologised and explained his actions.

"My apology if they take my posted pic seriously. This is just an emotional reaction after losing an important game," Babel wrote. "Sorry Howard Webb.''

Babel has until 1600 GMT on Thursday to respond to the FA charge.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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