Wenger lambasts Rooney over dodgy penalty

ARSENE WENGER launched a bitter attack on Wayne Rooney, referee Mike Riley and Manchester United’s rough-house tactics after Arsenal surrendered their 49-game unbeaten record at Old Trafford.

The Gunners boss was already seething at Riley for failing to dismiss man-of-the-match Rio Ferdinand for a foul on Freddie Ljungberg during the first half of the Red Devils’ 2-0 win, then for failing to spot Ruud van Nistelrooy’s stamp on Ashley Cole and finally for not clamping down on a succession of fouls on Jose Reyes.

But what really tipped Wenger over the edge was Riley’s decision to award a penalty for Sol Campbell’s tackle on Wayne Rooney 18 minutes from time when there appeared to be minimal contact between the England pair.