Rooney apologises for swearing outburst

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has apologised for swearing into a television camera during today‘s win over West Ham.

The England striker uttered an audible expletive following the completion of his hat-trick at Upton Park, which helped United come from 2-0 down to win 4-2.

Rooney‘s outburst, which was beamed around the world by Sky Sports, prompted an on-air apology from the broadcasters, with the Football Association later saying that they would examine the footage.

But in a statement released by the club, Rooney has put his outburst down to the emotion of putting his side ahead.

He said: “I want to apologise for any offence that may have been caused by my goal celebration, especially any parents or children that were watching. Emotions were running high and on reflection my heat-of-the-moment reaction was inappropriate. It was not aimed at anyone in particular.”

It is understood that taking action over a player swearing into a camera may be unprecedented, but the FA‘s rules do appear to have a provision about such behaviour.

They state: “A participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute or use any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.”

Rooney upset England fans during last summer’s World Cup when he turned to a television camera and verbally attacked them at the end of the dismal goalless draw with Algeria.