Rooney faces two-match ban
Wayne Rooney faces a two-match ban from the Football Association for using offensive language during Manchester United’s 4-2 win at West Ham.
The United striker swore into a pitchside camera after completing his hat-trick at Upton Park.
The England international has until 1800 BST on Tuesday to launch an appeal against the FA charge.
If he accepts it, he will receive a two-match ban but United could look to ask for that to be halved by the FA.
If Rooney denies the charge, a hearing will take place on Wednesday.
A one-match ban would result in the United star missing Saturday’s Premier League game at home to Fulham, while a two-match suspension would also rule him out of the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley on 16 April.
Rooney quickly apologised for his actions after the victory which moved United seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The 25-year-old was influential in earning the three points for the Red Devils as he grabbed his three goals in 14 minutes to help his side recover from 2-0 down.
In a statement released by United on Saturday, the striker 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.”
Although Professional Football Association deputy chief executive John Bramhall described Rooney’s actions as “disappointing”, he said the player acknowledged his responsibility by issuing a swift apology.
“Taking into account the highly pressurised situation within the game, it is still an action that wasn’t acceptable and Wayne’s apology confirms that,” Bramhall told BBC Radio 5 live.
“He has apologised immediately after the game and has clearly realised that they are not the actions you would expect of a player in his position.”
United team-mate Rio Ferdinand urged the media to show leniency towards Rooney through his Twitter account on Sunday.
The defender called for newspapers and radio “to give Wayne a break” adding “he knows what he did was wrong”.
Ferdinand said he had spoken to Rooney and the United forward was “genuinely sorry”.
FA rules 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.”
Source: BBC