Rooney faces ban from FA Cup derby
MANCHESTER UNITED striker Wayne Rooney faces being banned for the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City after he was charged for his foul-mouthed rant at a TV camera.
Rooney is expected to receive a two-match suspension if found guilty of the Football Association’s charge of using “offensive, insulting and/or abusive language”.
The accusation relates to Rooney’s celebration in United’s 4-2 win at West Ham on Saturday, in which he shouted expletives into a nearby Sky TV camera. He has until 6pm to accept or appeal the charge, which could affect his availability for Saturday’s Premier League match against Fulham, the FA Cup semi-final on the following weekend and even the trip to Newcastle three days later.
The FA’s move will be seen as an attempt to revitalise their Respect campaign, aimed at improving the behaviour of players.
However it is likely to sour relations further with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who is currently serving a five-game touchline ban for comments made about referees.