Wayne Rooney could face FA action after another TV outburst

02 April 2011 20:05
Wayne Rooney scored a brilliant hat-trick inside just 15 minutes yesterday then sullied the achievement with a foul-mouthed rant captured by TV microphones and broadcast live to an audience of millions.[LNB]The Manchester United and England striker later issued a public apology but it may not be enough to head off an FA charge after his use of the F-word halted football's much-vaunted Respect campaign in its tracks.[LNB]His tirade came as he converted a penalty to complete his hat-trick and give United a 3-2 lead at West Ham in a match they eventually won 4-2 after trailing to two Mark Noble penalties inside the first 25 minutes.[LNB] Wayne Rooney[LNB] Rooney celebrated his third strike by running over to a TV camera and releasing a volley of abuse. [LNB][LNB]Sky commentator Rob Hawthorne immediately apologised on-air for any offence caused by the England striker's behaviour.[LNB]The FA will be obliged to look atfilm of the incident, which appears to be a clear breach of their rulebook, which insists that players do not bring the game into disreputeby using abusive language.[LNB]An FA spokesman said: 'We will look at it. Obviously we do not condone swearing directly at the camera.' [LNB]If he is banned, Rooney could misspart of United's Premier League title run-in, but it is understood thathe may escape with a reminder of his responsibilities.[LNB]In a statement released by United, Rooney put his outburst down to the emotion of putting his side ahead.[LNB]'I want to apologise for any offencethat may have been caused by my goal celebration, especially anyparents or children that were watching,' said Rooney.[LNB] Previous form: Rooney unleashes a tirade at Green Point stadium after England's dismal goalless draw with Algeria[LNB]'Emotions were running high and my heat-of-the-moment reaction was inappropriate. It was not aimed at anyone in particular.'[LNB]Taking action against a player forswearing into a camera may be unprecedented, but the FA's rules have aprovision for such behaviour.[LNB]Section E of their handbook says: 'Aparticipant shall at all times act in the best interests of the gameand shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings the gameinto disrepute.'[LNB]Rooney's outburst tainted anextraordinary display in which he scored three goals in 15 minutes asUnited fought back from 2-0 down.[LNB]He started the comeback on 63 minutes with a curling free-kick, before adding a second on 72 minutes from the edge of the box.[LNB]His third came from the spot after Matthew Upson handled the ball on 78 minutes and Javier Hernandez rounded off the scoring.[LNB]United are now seven points clear at the top of the table and manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: 'We played like champions today.'[LNB] West Ham 2 Man Utd 4: Rooney hits three as Reds seal stunning fightback West Ham v Manchester United - all the action as it happened from Upton ParkWe're Gunner win the league! Walcott convinced Arsenal will end drought All the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:People: Wayne Rooney Places: United Kingdom, Algeria Organisations: Football Association

Source: Daily_Mail