Arsene Wenger in Twitter warning after Wayne Rooney 'threat'

Rooney told a fellow Tweeter: "I'll put u asleep within 10 seconds" (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Twitter is an invaluable way for players to be closer to fans, but has warned there can be "negative repercussions" if not used properly.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney maintains his heated exchanged on the social networking site, where he has more than 570,000 followers, during which he wrote "I'll put u asleep within 10 seconds" after being provoked by an abusive post, was nothing more than banter.

Many Barclays Premier League players have accounts on Twitter, including Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, striker Robin van Persie and their England midfielder Jack Wilshere.

Wenger feels such media can be good for relations, provided they are not abused.

"At the moment we allow it. We are thinking about how to use it the best way," the Frenchman said.

"It can be very positive because it can be a good communication for the players with the fans which doesn't exist anymore.

"It can as well have negative repercussions for the clubs if it is not well used so we are thinking about it.

"We will see what kind of direction we will go."

Earlier this season, West Ham striker Carlton Cole was charged by the Football Association with improper conduct for remarks posted during England's 1-1 draw with Ghana at Wembley in March, while Liverpool striker Ryan Babel was fined £10,000 after he posted a link to a mock-up picture of referee Howard Webb in a Manchester United shirt after an FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford.