Jermain Defoe: 'Mum edits my Twitter account'

Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has revealed that his mother checks all of his Twitter posts to avoid him getting into trouble.

On Monday, Manchester United's Federico Macheda was fined £15,000 by the FA for making homophobic comments on the social networking site.

A host of other footballers, including Wayne Rooney and Joey Barton, have gotten into hot water through inappropriate tweeting and Defoe is taking no chances.

The 29-year-old explained: "I only ever say sensible things. My mum edits them."

On February 29, after Defoe had received marriage proposals on the site, he tweeted: "I'll let you know which one I choose to accept later."

He quickly reassured mum Sandra, 47, by adding: "PS: Mum I'm only joking."

England international Defoe has made 28 appearances for Spurs this season, scoring 13 goals.