WAYNE ROONEY HAS defended his behaviour in yesterday’s Manchester derby after Roberto Mancini accused him of swaying the referee’s mind on Vincent Kompany’s controversial sending off.

Rooney scored twice as Manchester United beat Manchester City 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium to set up a potentially explosive FA Cup fourth round meeting with Liverpool.

After giving United an early lead with a brilliant header in the 10th minute, the striker found himself at the centre of Kompany’s dismissal for dangerous play two minutes later, rushing to referee Chris Foy to point out that the Belgian had led with both feet when tackling Nani.

Afterwards, Mancini said that the club would appeal the four-game ban which could see City without their club captain for both legs of the Carling Cup semi-final against Liverpool as well as upcoming Premier League matches against Wigan and Tottenham.

“It was not a red card. Rooney told him his decision,” Mancini said (see BBC Sport).

We will do an appeal and I am sure that we will win. It was 300% not a sending off.

The debate over Foy’s decision continued overnight and Rooney took to Twitter this morning to respond to the criticism, insisting that the referee had made up his own mind on the incident.

“Funny how people think I got Kompany sent off,” Rooney tweeted. “I’m not ref. I didn’t give red card. But it was a clear red card. 2 footed tackle.”

YouTube Credit: ComedyBros2

Messi in line to take Ballon D’Or for third year on the trot

One-hit wonder: Carling Nations Cup set to be abandoned

Liverpool apologise to Oldham player Adeyemi for terrace abuse