'Disgusting' Rooney faces ban for foul-mouthed rant on live TV

Wayne Rooney could escape a ban from playing despite his ‘disgusting’  foul-mouthed rant on live television which was seen by thousands of children.
The England striker used the F-word twice in a snarling tirade at a TV camera after completing a hat-trick for Manchester United in Saturday’s game against West Ham.
The vile outburst came in the first major Premier League match after the Football Association revived its ‘Respect’ campaign, calling for better behaviour by its stars.
The game was being broadcast live to millions of viewers worldwide on Sky Sports, and commentator Rob Hawthorne immediately apologised for any offence caused by Rooney’s abuse.
His obscenities were later seen by 4million viewers on BBC1’s Match of the Day, although they were cut from a repeat of the programme yesterday morning.

 Former shadow sports minister Lord Pendry, now president of the Football Foundation which supports grass-roots football, said: ‘It is disgusting for youngsters watching television to be subjected to this vile behaviour.

‘Even if the words cannot be heard clearly, it is not difficult to understand what is being said. Players should be banned.’
Rooney apologised after the game, blaming his ‘inappropriate’ behaviour on a  ‘heat-of-the-moment reaction’.
The FA will today consider a ban but is likely to give him a slap on the wrist.
Director Sir Trevor Brooking said: ‘There will be a decision. It was a surprise, after scoring a hat-trick, to react that way.’
FA rules state that players should not use ‘indecent or insulting words or behaviour’.
Rooney verbally attacked England fans during last summer’s World Cup when he turned to a television camera and complained about them after a woeful performance in a goal-less draw with Algeria.



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