Rooney charged by the FA

Wayne Rooney has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association after he shoved Bolton’s Tal Ben Haim in the face at Old Trafford on St Stephen's Day.

Under the FA’s new ‘fast track’ disciplinary system, Rooney has until 6pm tomorrow to decide whether to appeal against the charge, with the case set to be heard by a disciplinary commission on Friday.

Should the Manchester United striker be found guilty, he would be suspended for three matches, starting with the New Year’s Day trip to Middlesbrough.

In a separate development, Haim, whose exaggerated reaction to the push was branded `a disgrace' by irate United boss Alex Ferguson, has also been charged with improper conduct.

The Israeli defender has until January 20 to respond to his charge, but it is the one concerning Rooney which will grab most attention.