Rooney admits charge

Wayne Rooney will serve a three-match suspension after admitting a charge of violent conduct, the Football Association confirmed tonight.

The Manchester United striker will sit out the Premiership matches against Middlesbrough – on Saturday – and Tottenham as well as the FA Cup clash with non-league Exeter.

The ban is imposed after United decided not to appeal, even though manager Alex Ferguson described the disciplinary system as “flawed and immoral.”

Rooney was brought to book after pushing his hand in the face of Bolton’s Tal Ben Haim during the match on Boxing Day.

Ben Haim has also been charged with improper conduct – and Bolton have confirmed they will appeal.