Monday, April 4, 2011

Rooney charged over foul-mouthed outburst

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been charged with using foul language while celebrating a goal in Saturday's 4-2 win at West Ham United, the Football Association said in a statement.

"The FA has today charged Manchester United's Wayne Rooney for the use of offensive, insulting and/or abusive language relating to an incident during his side's fixture with West Ham United," the statement said.

"Rooney has until 6pm on April 5 to respond to the charge."

If he accepts the charge, Rooney will miss United's home league match against Fulham on Saturday and the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley on April 16.

He would, however, be free to play in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea as that game comes under the auspices of UEFA and not the FA.

The England striker, 25, apologised for his outburst soon after the match, saying he swore "in the heat of the moment" after completing a 14-minute hat-trick and that his words "were not aimed at anyone in particular".