A footballer has admitted posting abusive, insulting or improper messages on Twitter.

St Neots Town FC defender David Deeney was charged by the FA with nine counts of breaking its rules governing comments on social media.

His tweets included reference to gender, disability and sexual orientation.

An FA spokesman said a hearing would be held “in due course”. While there are no set punishments for such a breach of its rules, the FA’s usual response is to impose a fine.

Mr Deeney, 27, is currently at a Sporting Chance clinic on a residential programme for sports people.