Babel was obviously unhappy with Webb’s performance in Liverpool’s 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Manchester United, who won the game with a dubious penalty converted by Ryan Giggs.

“And they call him one of the best referees? That’s a joke,” Babel wrote about the referee who officiated the 2010 World Cup final.

But the Dutch international, who was on the bench when his nation lost to Spain in South Africa, apologized later as the FA announced it would look into the case.

“My apology if they take my posted pic seriously. This is just an emotional reaction after losing an important game,” he added.

Newly-hired Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish also expressed his anger with Webb after the game, especially as the latter sent off skipper Steven Gerrard in the first half.