Williams was officiating in the 2-2 draw between Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar at Etihad Stadium, a match where the referee dismissed Melbourne's Ante Covic and Matthew Foschini before half-time.

Incensed by the dismissals while watching the match on television, former Sydney FC youth player Golec sent out two tweets, both of which were apparently intended as private tweets to his brother.

However, the young defender accidentally sent both out to the general public. In the first tweet, he described Williams as the 'worst referee ever', but then went a step further, using homosexual references as a means of abusing the official.

Adelaide United have taken a dim view of Golec's actions, saying they have already required him to send a letter of apology to Williams before meeting with club chief executive Glenn Elliott on Monday morning for more punishment.

A statement from the club read: "Adelaide United FC has been notified that young player Antony Golec inadvertently communicated a private tweet intended for his brother through to the general network."

"The club is extremely disappointed that Antony has placed himself in this position. He is sincerely apologetic for the incident."

"He will be heavily censured and required to attend educational courses as the club and PFA see appropriate to reinforce the mutual rejection of inappropriate use of demeaning language towards not only match officials but all members of our community."

It is unclear whether Football Federation Australia (FFA) will also issue some form of punishment.

Golec is not the first Australian sportsman to get in trouble for making homosexual references as a form of abuse on twitter.

During the AFL season, West Coast youngster Luke Shuey was also punished by the club for denigrating team-mate Ashton Hams by using homosexual terms on Twitter.

Despite the nature of Shuey's tweets, he still intended them as a light-hearted jibe and not as a form of abuse.