Social Media Breaches in Professional Football: Obligations, Consequences, and the Case of Onel Hernández

In the modern footballing era, where player influence extends far beyond the pitch, social media has become both a tool of personal expression and a potential source of professional controversy. The recent omission of Onel Hernández from Norwich City’s squad against Sunderland is the latest instance raising questions about the regulatory and contractual boundaries footballers must observe online.

Regulatory and Contractual Framework

Professional footballers in England are bound by a combination of club-level contracts, the Standard Premier League or EFL player contract (as applicable), and overarching rules from regulatory bodies such as the Football Association (FA) and FIFA.

Clubs routinely include specific clauses in player contracts dealing with conduct, both on and off the field.  These often extend to social media, with obligations not to bring the club into disrepute, damage its reputation, or post material deemed offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate.  The FA, under Rule E3, also has the power to sanction players for social media activity that is insulting, abusive, or improper, particularly where it touches on protected characteristics.

In addition to regulatory repercussions, players may also face disciplinary action internally—ranging from fines to suspension or exclusion from matchday squads—when their behaviour is considered contrary to club values or undermines the authority of management.

In my experience, the FA takes such matters seriously and frequently brings charges against players for social media or online messages, including at grassroots level.  This extends beyond public platforms to private communications—such as group chats on WhatsApp—where inappropriate or offensive content can still fall within the scope of disciplinary action. The breadth of this approach reinforces the FA’s position that the standards expected of players apply both on and off the pitch, and in both public and private forums.

The Onel Hernández Incident

Onel Hernández was notably absent from Norwich City’s squad in their recent Championship fixture against Sunderland.  While no official disciplinary sanction has been confirmed publicly, reports suggest the omission followed social media activity by Hernández in which he appeared to question or challenge a club decision – namely, his omission from a prior match – by liking various posts that were critical of the club and head coach, Johannes Hoff Thorup.

Although the posts were not overtly abusive or inflammatory, they could be interpreted as undermining the authority of the coaching staff or creating unnecessary internal discord.  In the context of a competitive season, where cohesion and discipline are paramount, even relatively benign public dissent can be seen as damaging.

Norwich City’s decision to leave Hernández might be viewed as pre-emptive damage control—asserting the importance of internal discipline and reinforcing the expectation that grievances should be handled through internal channels, not played out on social media.

Drawing Inferences

Clubs are increasingly sensitive to how online comments reflect on internal operations, team unity, and public image.  Hernández’s case illustrates a growing willingness by clubs to act swiftly where player conduct on social media is seen to cross the line, even in subtle ways.

From a legal and contractual standpoint, such responses are justifiable.  The emphasis placed in contracts on maintaining the club’s reputation and adhering to professional standards gives management wide discretion.  It also highlights the potential for ‘minor’ social media breaches to carry significant professional consequences—especially if the club deems them to contravene implied duties of loyalty, trust, and confidentiality.

This case should serve as a cautionary example for players: while social media may offer a platform for personal voice, it exists within a professional framework that requires careful navigation. Clubs, fans, and governing bodies increasingly expect that disputes or dissatisfaction be dealt with through proper, internal mechanisms.

Conclusion

Football and social media remains a delicate terrain.  The Onel Hernández situation demonstrates the importance of clear contractual terms, proactive education for players, and consistent enforcement by clubs.  That the FA is willing to charge players—even at grassroots level and for private group chats—emphasises the wide reach of regulatory expectations in modern football.  As the footballing landscape evolves, so too must the understanding that public platforms and private messaging alike carry significant weight in the professional domain.