The FA today released a statement warning its players that they may face disciplinary action if their comments are deemed ‘improper’.
There has recently been a huge increase in players using social networks. As we saw in our very own exposé: You absolute TWITs! Footballers venture into the world of Twitter – most players have used the platforms sensibly, but some haven’t.
It is in light of this increase that the FA has been forced to try and clarify its position, and set out a clear set of rules for players:
“Participants should be aware that comments made on such sites may be considered public comment, and that further to FA Rule E3, any comments which are deemed improper, bring the game into disrepute, or are threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting may lead to disciplinary action.”
Social networks such as Twitter have opened up footballer’s lives to their fans and created a great communication channel between the two. However, players have to remember that whatever they say is going to be public and there will always be people listening in.
The FA are hopefully taking a sensible approach to policing this, clamping down on offensive comments without stifling openness and healthy debate.
Whether it will achieve this with this statement, only time will tell.
We want to hear what you have to say, but we don't want comments that are homophobic, racist, sexist, don't relate to the article, or are overly offensive. They're not nice.