TWEET DECK

Liverpool Soccer Player Fined $16K For Calling Teammate “Gay”

sosaA soccer player in the UK has been fined £10,000 (about $16,000) for calling a teammate “gay” on Twitter.

Last month, Liverpool FC midfielder Jesús Fernández Sáenz, known popularly as “Suso,” tweeted a photo of fellow player Jose Enrique getting his teeth whitened, and included the comment: “What fuck is he doing? This guy is gay… he does everything except play football.”

A statement from The Football Association explained the penalty:

“The charge, which the player admitted and requested a paper hearing, was that he acted in a way which was improper and/or brought the game into disrepute in that the comment was posted on his Twitter account and included a reference to a person/s sexual orientation and/or disability.”

The Guardian reports Suso, a 19-year-old from Spain, “has become an increasingly important member of the Reds’ first team and has made 13 appearances so far this season.”

Though Suso reiterated his regret over the comment, tweeting “Once again I apologize if anyone was offended,” Enrique thinks he shouldn’t have been penalized in the first place. “Is amazing how FA can fine my friend Suso Fernandez for a banter thing. Was just a joke!!!” he tweeted.

What do you think? Do pro teams need to be tough to keep players in line, or is this overkill? Make the call in the comments section below.

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