NUFC Issue Twitter Warning

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has told his players they could be sued for breach of contract if they criticise the club on social networking sites.

Legal warnings have been issued after Joey Barton and Jose Enrique questioned the club's transfer policy on Twitter.

"The problem I have with Twitter is that people are twittering in an emotional state," said Pardew.

"Putting something out instantly can be very, very, damaging - not only to a football club but to any organisation."

After a friendly defeat by Leeds last Sunday, Barton was transfer-listed by Newcastle after posting comments about the management of the club.

The 28-year-old, who has more than 250,000 followers on Twitter, has continued to comment about his situation on the site throughout the week.

Pardew revealed that he consulted with Sir Alex Ferguson as the Manchester United manager has also experienced problems with players using social networking sites.

Pardew added: "It's in breach of contract if you are criticising the owner, the masseur, a player, anyone at the football club. Giving out injury news causes problems too.

"I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson, and United's policy is that nobody at their club can comment about the football club [on Twitter]. We've notified the players this morning.

"They've probably seen it as another sort of dictatorial moment from us but we've had to issue them legally with a letter to say this is not right, it's a breach of contract and you have to understand you're going to be fined and disciplined for that. It can't happen.

"Sir Alex shared with me quite ferociously how difficult this Twitter issue is for clubs, particularly managers."

Twitter trouble
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney hit the headlines in May after arguing with a fan on Twitter and posting: "I'll put u asleep within 10 seconds"
Ryan Babel, then of Liverpool, was fined £10,000 by the FA in January after he posted a mocked-up picture of referee Howard Webb in a Manchester United shirt
West Ham's Carlton Cole was fined £20,000 by the FA for comments he made on Twitter during England's friendly with Ghana in April
Joey Barton claims he was fined two weeks' wages for attacking Newcastle's transfer policy on Twitter
West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon was charged with improper conduct by the FA for comments he made about fans on Twitter in April
Liverpool's Glen Johnson attacked TV pundit Paul Merson on Twitter, branding him "a clown"

 

Fair play really, I think lads rush to Twitter when they're hyped up over something and post things they ordinarily wouldn't. I'd almost be for banning our players from Twitter after all the trouble it's caused, or maybe have it moderated/approved by the club. Might seem a bit controlling but their public image is 'property' of the club so it's only right it should be protected.

 

this!

 

I don't see how players can be sued for breach of contract unless it is written into players' contracts that they cannot mention their club on social network sites. This sounds like an empty threat from Pardew.

I have mixed feelings about this. I agree that players should not use Twitter whilst in a bad temper. On the other hand, there are several dictatorial football owners in this country who want to suppress free speech in a shabby attempt to protect what's left of their 'good' public image. In fact, some would not look out of place in a black uniform with a swastika armband.

Sites like Twitter are sometimes the only avenue open for players to reach a larger public with things fans are interested to hear about.

 

About ruddy time. Using it is fine, using it to criticise your employer or generally act in an unprofessional way is not. I work in the public sector and we've got a policy on social network use, quite right the same should apply to these lot who have a whole lot more followers than me!

Seem to remember Wilshere having a moan at the ref after 4-4 too. No place for that rubbish. Joey Bartons David Brent soundboard I do approve of however...

 

I actually got called into the office once for a (very tame) comment about a colleague on facebook and given a formal warning, these guys get paid 500x what I do and are employed to be ambassadors for the region, how they complain about 'freedom of speech' I don't know!

 

People have to remember that comments made online can be traced back to an individual. It's easy to do.

Obama warned the youth of America to be careful what they post now as it could have ramifications in their future.

Such as; you post on Facebook "I hate <company X>!!". A few years down the line, <company X> is offering you a job and their HR department are looking through your online profile and what do they see with a fairly simple search?

Guess who won't get a job with <company X>?

Always drunk on your photos? Always using expletives in your comments?

Doesn't look good to a potential employer.

I've actually taught in schools 'online safety' and many kids looked shocked at what I could ascertain about them in a short space of time by simply knowing their name and what they look like.

I pulled out photos, hate filled messages, address details, phone numbers...

 

Remind me to stay on your good side.