Rooney banned for two Champions League games

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been banned for two matches following his sending off against Villarreal for a sarcastic clap at referee Kim Milton Nielsen.

The 19-year-old England international, who has recently had his temperament questioned after appearing to argue with David Beckham in the defeat to Northern Ireland, will miss matches against Benfica and Lille.

A statement from UEFA read: “Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney will miss the club’s next two UEFA Champions League matches after his sending-off at Villarreal.”

Rooney was initially cautioned by Nielsen in the 64th minute during the opening round of Champions League group matches, but he received a second yellow card for clapping in the official's face.

The UEFA statement added: “The referee considered this dissent and also reported in his post-match report that Rooney swore at him as he left the field.”

United could now contest the referee’s accusation of swearing, and an appeal must be lodged with UEFA officials by midnight on Friday.

UEFA’s control and disciplinary body issued a statement which read: “It is beyond any doubt that Wayne Rooney committed several disciplinary offences, notably by taking two yellow cards resulting in a red card, as well as by displaying unsporting conduct.

“As a result, it is appropriate to impose a two-match ban for the reported misconduct.”