Updated 17.25
THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION has charged Wayne Rooney for “the use of offensive, insulting and/or abusive language,” the organisation announced this evening.
Rooney has until Tuesday evening to respond to the charge which carries the possibility of a two-game ban which could see him ruled out of his side’s all-important FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City on April 16.
The FA’s decision was taken as a result of the Manchester United forward’s abusive outburst into the camera after he completed his hat trick in the 4-2 win at Upton Park. Judge for yourself here (warning: contains offensive language).
Earlier today, The Guardian reported that the England international may have escaped with a warning and a possible fine but the Premier League is understood to have been concerned at the flouting of the Respect campaign by players and managers.
It believes the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) and League Managers Association (LMA) can bring their members into line and is seeking urgent talks with the two bodies.
Rooney has apologised for the outburst and said “emotions were running high”.
He was also defended by team mate and former England captain Rio Ferdinand on Twitter over the weekend:
Rio Ferdinand defends Wayne Rooney 1
Rio Ferdinand defends Wayne Rooney 2
Rio Ferdinand defends Wayne Rooney 3
The PFA’s deputy chief executive John Bramhall told the BBC that while the outburst was “very disappointing”, he noted Rooney’s apology.
He said: ”Taking into account the highly pressurised situation within the game, it is still an action that wasn’t acceptable and Wayne’s apology confirms that.
“He has apologised immediately after the game and has clearly realised that they are not the actions you would expect of a player in his position.”
It’s not the first time Rooney has spoken to the cameras whilst on the pitch.
After England’s disappointing 2010 World Cup draw with Algeria last summer, he criticised the supporters who booed his team off the pitch:
– Additional reporting by Niall Kelly
