Soccer player suspended six games for insulting ref on Facebook

Think twice before talking trash online.

If you’re an athlete, think twice before talking trash online.

Giuseppe Francone, a soccer player for Lanklaar VV in Belgium’s third division, learned the hard way that he should watch what he says online. According to Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad, Francone was suspended for six games after insulting a linesman on Facebook. 

The linesman then sent a screenshot of the message to the referee, who forwarded it to the league. The league decided to suspend Francone for six games, arguing that officials need to have their privacy respected.

• Ned Yost punched through some bricks

Say it to his face on the field next time, Giuseppe. That way you’ll only get a red card and a one-game suspension.

- Dan Gartland

[​via L’Equipe]​