Rooney loses ban appeal

The Red Devils forward was penalised by the Football Association for his four-letter outburst into a television camera during the 4-2 win away to West Ham on Saturday.

England international Rooney had just completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot when he launched into his tirade during the live Saturday lunchtime showdown.

The FA punished Rooney for using offensive, insulting and/or abusive language at Upton Park and issued a two-match ban, and while the former Everton man accepted the charge he felt the suspension was excessive.

However, the governing body have ignored the fiery forward's pleas and stuck with their original judgement.

Immediate effect

"A Regulatory Commission has suspended Manchester United's Wayne Rooney for two matches," read a statement issued by the FA at 10am on Thursday morning.

"Rooney had admitted a charge for the use of offensive, insulting and/or abusive language, but claimed that the automatic penalty of two games was clearly excessive.

"The Commission did not accept the claim and Rooney will begin the standard two-match suspension with immediate effect."

"The Commission did not accept the claim and Rooney will begin the standard two-match suspension with immediate effect."
FA statement Quotes of the week

Rooney will now miss Saturday's home Premier League meeting with Fulham and also the semi-final showdown with local rivals City at Wembley on 16th April.

The Football Association opted not to release the outcome of Wednesday's disciplinary hearing immediately following a request by United, who did not wish to suffer any disruption to their preparation for the UEFA Champions League encounter with Chelsea.

Rooney scored the only goal at Stamford Bridge and will be available for the second leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday as his suspension only applies to domestic matches.