LONDON -- British authorities have charged a man for sending an abusive Twitter message to Israel defender Tal Ben Haim.
The tweet was sent earlier this month before Ben Haim struck a deal to leave cash-strapped English club Portsmouth.
Matthew Smith of Andover in southern England has been charged with improper use of a public electronic communications network.
Crown Prosecution Service official Stacey Turner says "this follows the posting of an abusive message on Twitter."
Smith will appear at Andover Magistrates' Court on Sept. 27.
Ben Haim, who used to play for Chelsea is searching for a new club since leaving third-tier club Portsmouth.
