A HAMPSHIRE man has been charged for sending an abusive Twitter message to former Portsmouth footballer, Tal Ben Haim.

Matthew Smith, 33, was charged today with an offence under section 127 of the Communications Act 2003, after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) gave Hampshire Police the go ahead to take action.

Defender Ben Haim received an abusive Twitter message earlier this month on August 6, while he was still player for Portsmouth Football Club.

Stacey Turner, head of the CPS Wessex Daytime Charging Unit, said: “We have today authorised Hampshire Constabulary to charge Matthew Smith, aged 33, with an offence under section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

“This follows the posting of an abusive message on Twitter directed at a professional football player who at the time the message was sent played for Portsmouth Football club.

“We have carefully considered the evidence provided to us by the police and are satisfied that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to prosecute Matthew Smith with this offence.”

Smith, of Berry Way, Andover, will appear at Andover magistrates Court on September 27.