Rooney escapes further punishment
Wayne Rooney will miss Aston Villa game
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Monday, 23, Mar 2009 10:04
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will not face further punishment for his reaction after being sent-off against Fulham on Saturday.
Rooney was shown a red card after he was given a second yellow card for throwing the ball towards the direction of referee Phil Dowd.
The England forward then reacted angrily and claimed he was merely giving the ball back to Jonny Evans for a United free-kick. He exchanged words with the referee and punched the corner flag as he stormed off the pitch.
But Rooney will only get a one game ban, which will see him miss the home game against Aston Villa, after Dowd said afterwards that he had not been sworn at by Rooney.
"We have clarified with Phil Dowd that there was no abuse from the player after he was dismissed," the Football Association (FA) said in a statement.
"In relation to the incident when he punched the corner flag, the referee did not see that and we have written to Wayne Rooney reminding him of his responsibilities."
In a torrid game at Craven Cottage for the champions, not only did United lose 2-0, but also had Paul Scholes sent-off as well as Rooney. Scholes will also get an automatic one game ban and miss the Villa game.