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Whilst I agree Wayne Rooney’s reaction was slightly over-the-top, it didn’t leave me shaking behind the sofa or outraged at his way of celebration. To be honest, it needs to be put into context; the title race is at boiling point and West Ham was an important game for Manchester United to overcome. Critics didn’t see an easy win for United and Arsenal’s match against Blackburn was considered a safe bet. It is with little wonder that emotions were running high during such a pivotal game but to come from two nil down as well is, of course, going to ignite the fire.
Football is renowned for being a game bursting with passion (admittedly, it doesn’t always bring the best out of people). At some point during most games, it is inevitable that a player is going to react in a way that is scrutinised later on. I will never forget the day Gallas sat down, stomped his feet and cried when he was captain for Arsenal; surely this isn’t a good reaction? But he didn’t get banned for two games. What about all the players who have sworn at referees – are they all going to suffer a game ban?
I’m not saying I agree with Rooney’s foul-mouthed rant, Gallas’ petulant child-like behaviour or the disrespect shown to referees but I will say you will not take swearing out of football. It will always happen, whether it’s in a pub or in your own living room so whilst we moralise about footballers, are we all going to change our occasional football-related potty mouths? Will every opposing football fan stop their swearing directed at Rooney? Unlikely.
A tough debate!
Despite my allegiance to all things Manchester United I am not sure where I stand on this one.
Will swearing ever be out of the game? Never, there is to much passion. And is it only okay if the microphones don’t pick you up?
However, making eye contact and deliberately swearing into a camera is different ball game.
2 matches? I say a little harsh – with my red tinted glasses on – but action did need to be taken.
I think putting a two match ban on him for an F-bomb (well a few of them) is taking it too far. You can’t have similar sentence for a two-footed tackle and a swear word – it is not the same.
This Rooney debacle is frustrating – I agree that staring into the camera and using foul language is inappropriate. However, I am almost certain children hear, and even use worse language in their everyday lives. The two-match ban seems a tad unfair, seeing as Rooney issued an apology almost as soon as the game ended. I am no Rooney-lover, but I feel sorry for him; if it was anyone else would the FA even bat an eyelid?
First of all let me declare an interest. I can’t stand Wayne Rooney. Moving on, it is not acceptable as a professional sportsman to whom young impressionable children look up to, to go swearing into a live television camera using ‘industrial language’. Yes kids hear bad language elsewhere but most wouldn’t use it gratuitously in front of their parents at home, and most parents wouldn’t want them to. My final thought, how come professional Rugby players don’t run in front of cameras swearing after scoring wonder tries? Because it’s all about discipline and respect, rugby players don’t even argue with referees decisions. Oh, respect? Isn’t there a ‘ Respect ‘ campaign going on in football at the moment? Try telling that ignorant overpaid yobs like Rooney. Football should introduce sin-bins, you’d soon get managers sorting their players behaviour out then.
I agree that footballers need to start respecting the refs but Rooney’s reaction in front of the camera has nothing to do with respect. The FA are victimising him on this occasion because they failed to penalise him for his elbow at Wigan. However, the Rooney we saw aggressively swear into the camera on Saturday is likely to be that man at home too. Football has never been the same as Rugby or Golf – the players and fans are rarely of the same respectable calibre. We can’t control the way Rooney behaves, and we shouldn’t be allowed to either.
Nicole, I think the problem is that Rooney apparently can’t help the way he behaves. I can’t and you can’t , so yes we can’t, but the authorities can and should; but not just him; referees should fairly and consistently penalise infractions of the FA rule book by anyone…not just Rooney. I read today that Coca Cola have now dropped him from endorsing their product, good for them. maybe Aquafresh should offer him a contarct. Kind regards, Charles
If they do penalise him for this, then they will have to ensure they penalise everyone for similar reactions. Lennon’s “bull****” on Twitter should also be considered as an infraction of the FA rule book. Either way, we will see the repercussions of Rooney’s actions pretty soon.