The FA have charged Liverpool winger Ryan Babel with improper conduct for posting a picture of referee Howard Webb on Twitter.
Babel posted 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."
Babel has until 4pm on Thursday to respond to the charge.
