Nielsen insists he was right to dismiss ‘sarcastic’ Rooney

Kim Milton Nielsen insists he was right to send off Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney for clapping in his face.

Rooney, the 19-year-old whose temperament has been questioned in the early stages of his career, was dismissed against Villarreal for his reaction to a booking.

Nielsen, who famously sent off David Beckham at the World Cup seven years ago, believes his decision was correct even if Rooney did not have malicious intentions.

“Even sarcastic play is not allowed, the referee cannot accept that,” Nielsen said.

Nielsen insists Rooney will not get special treatment if they meet again, but believes officials, team-mates and management can work to stop the teenager’s fiery streak.

“If you can prevent it, it’s most important,” he added. “It depends on the circumstances before [an incident], was the player provoked by another player or himself?

“When it is necessary to send a player off then you have respect from others for your decision, but the best match for a referee is having no cards.”

He added: “You start from zero every time, a new match. You cannot say it is a minus for him in the future.”