Ex-Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has meltdown on Twitter while attempting to defend 'sexist' comments

Babel left Liverpool in 2007

James Orr
Sunday 30 August 2015 09:29 EDT
Comments
Ryan Babel has not gained many new friends on social media
Ryan Babel has not gained many new friends on social media (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has attempted to defend himself after making "sexist" comments on Twitter, and has claimed that he will now shut down his account in the wake of the criticism.

Babel, who plays for Al Ain FC in Abu Dhabi, angered Twitter users this weekend after making derogatory comments about women and football.

On Friday, he tweeted a female follower in response to a question asking him about his views on former manager Rafa Benitez: "I think you should concentrate on growing some t*** instead of speaking about football ... ur a girl ... stay in ur lane..."

Babel then posted a lengthy explanation of his actions, in a rambling string of more than 30 tweets.

The original tweet:

How Babel tried to defend himself

It started off like he had been living under a rock for the last few years, saying women "even" play football these days, writing: "woman nowadays even playing football... thats very cool and im very impressed.."

It then got worse, with Babel telling his followers that fans could never understand what it is like to be a footballer.

“So basically IF i am going to have a conversation about Football with a woman... TRUST me its not the same conversation...”

Many of his Twitter followers were quick to blast the player for his seemingly archaic views, including one sending him a picture of a shovel, telling him "he might need it".

Babel's meltdown continued, with the player tweeting that he was going to close his account, and posted a phone number for fans to use if they wanted to interact with him instead.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in