Soccer:The English FA are looking into events during the FA Cup third-round tie between Blackburn and QPR. Rovers' 1-0 win at Ewood Park on Saturday was overshadowed by the broken leg suffered by Rangers striker Jamie Mackie in a tackle with Gael Givet.
While he was lying injured, Mackie was reportedly taunted by Blackburn striker El-Hadji Diouf, leading QPR boss Neil Warnock to call the Senegal international the “lowest of the low” and a “nasty little person”.
Blackburn have yet to make any comment about the conduct of Diouf, who has been involved in a number of controversial incidents during his time in England.
Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has been charged with improper conduct after posting comments and images concerning referee Howard Webb on Twitter. The Holland international sent out a mocked-up picture of the World Cup final referee wearing a Manchester United shirt following his side’s 1-0 FA Cup third-round defeat at Old Trafford.
Babel also wrote: “And they call him one of the best referees? That’s a joke. SMH (shaking my head).”
The 24-year-old later added: “My apology if they take my posted pic seriously. This is just an emotional reaction after losing an important game. Sorry Howard Webb.”
The apology has not been enough to prevent a charge from the FA, who said in a statement: “The charge relates to comments and images published by the player on Twitter concerning referee Howard Webb.”
