Rooney suspended why

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. 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. United team-mate Rio Ferdinand urged the media to show leniency towards Rooney through his Twitter account external-link 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.

Rooney's United team-mate Rio Ferdinand said he believes his friend is coming in for harsh treatment, despite acknowledging his mistakes. I don't condone it but because it is him everyone goes over the top. I don't feel sorry for him. He thrives off the attention. But he thrives off football attention rather than the stuff on the outside.

He loves playing football. Rooney's absence on Saturday is good news for Fulham considering his current form, but Cottagers boss Mark Hughes said he had some sympathy for the United star.

Wayne has a different position in the game. And Bolton manager Owen Coyle said that the worldwide appeal of the Premier League meant players had an extra responsibility to behave accordingly. Whatever you do is analysed and over-analysed," Coyle commented. Gerrard hired by Villa, club that denied him dream Liverpool farewell.

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