Nielsen defends Rooney red
Kim Milton Nielsen insists he was right to send off Wayne Rooney.
Kim Milton Nielsen is adamant he was right to send off Wayne Rooney for clapping in his face.The Manchester United ace was given his marching orders by Nielsen during United's goalless draw with Villarreal on Wednesday night.
Rooney was handed his second yellow card after sarcastically applauding Nielsen's decision to book him in the first place.
Danish official Nielsen, who famously sent off David Beckham for England against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup, insists he was right to dismiss Rooney for his actions.
"Even sarcastic play is not allowed, the referee cannot accept that," Nielsen told Radio Five Live.
"If you can prevent it, it's most important.
"It depends on the circumstances, before (an incident) was the player provoked by another player or himself? In some situations you can prevent it, or not.
"When it is necessary to send a player off then you have respect from others for your decision, but the best match for a referee is having no cards."
The Dane insists Rooney will not get any special treatment if they meet again in the future.
"You start from zero every time (after a sending off), a new match," added Nielsen. "You cannot say it is a minus for him in the future."
