Players union questions Rooney’s charge

Head of English football’s players union questions the decision to charge Rooney over his foul-mouthed outburst.

LONDON: The head of English football’s players union questioned the decision to charge Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney over his foul-mouthed outburst at a television camera after scoring a hat-trick against West Ham.

Rooney faces a two-match ban unless he successfully appeals against charges of using abusive language during the 4-2 victory at Upton Park. However, Professional Footballers’ Association Chief Executive Gordon Taylor questioned whether Rooney deserved to be punished, suggesting that swearing was an accepted part of football. “Whilst the use of foul and abusive language is not condoned, there is an acceptance by all parties within the game that ‘industrial language’ is commonly used,” said Taylor. Rooney risks missing out on United’s crunch FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City on April 16 if banned.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th,  2011.