Ryan Babel tweet sparks sexism controversy

Former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel has been accused of sexism after replying to a woman on Twitter who questioned his tweet about Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez.

Babel played at Anfield under Benitez but has been critical of his former boss in the past and appeared to imply that the Spaniard had brought negative football to Real Madrid.

That prompted a female Twitter user to reply to the footballer, asking: "Why do you hate him so much? He's manager of Real Madrid while you beg your Twitter followers to add you on WhatsApp."

Babel responded by posting: "i think u should concentrate on growing some t*** instead of speaking about football... Ur a girl.. Stay in ur lane..", and went on to add: "At least let your brother or your boyfriend make the comment then we can argue..."

@Shannxo i think u should concentrate on growing some tits instead of speaking about football... Ur a girl.. Stay in ur lane..

— Ryan Babel (@Ryanbabel) August 28, 2015

The Dutch forward left Liverpool for German side Hoffenheim in 2011 but now plays for Al-Ain in Abu Dhabi after spells with Ajax and Turkish club Kasimpasa.