Liverpool striker Ryan Babel has been fined £10 000 and warned about his future conduct over a posting on Twitter.
The Holland international was charged with improper conduct by the Football Association on Monday after he used the social networking site to criticise referee Howard Webb.
Babel linked to a mocked-up picture of Webb in a Manchester United shirt after Liverpool lost 1-0 at Old Trafford in the FA Cup following a controversial first-minute penalty.
He also wrote: “And they call him one of the best referees? That’s a joke. SMH (shaking my head).”
Babel later apologised for his comments and posted: “My apology if they take my posted pic seriously. This is just an emotional reaction after losing an important game.
“Sorry Howard Webb.”
In summing up, the regulatory commission chairperson Roger Burden said: “Social network sites 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.” — Sapa-AFP