ROONEY HIT BY FURTHER BAN

Wayne Rooney was last night told he was lucky not to be hit with a FIVE match Champions League ban after UEFA got tough with the Manchester United star.

Rooney was hit with an automatic one-game European ban for his sending-off against Villarreal when he sarcastically applauded referee Kim Milton Nielsen.
But in what appears to be a blatant effort to make an example of the striker, the volatile star was yesterday banned for a further match for telling Nielsen to "f*** off" as he left the field.

UEFA spokesman William Gaillard told Mirror Sport: "After Rooney was sent off he shouted out an insult, which the referee Kim Milton Nielsen noted.

"They were very unpleasant words, so that is why he received a second match suspension. But we took into account that the insult may not have been directed at the referee. If it was proved the insult was directed at the official, the punishment could have been more severe.”

Rooney speaking after winning his young player of the year award:

“Obviously it's been hard with some of the stuff printed about me this week. But I've got my family supporting me, and I just go out and play my football.

“My team-mates at Manchester United have rallied round. It's brilliant. They have been fantastic. But I still want to improve, to get better and better. I'm still learning."

Meanwhile the Mirror runs with a story RI had days ago:

Sir Alex Sexton claimed Wayne Rooney has a "chip on his shoulder" because he is a Scouser. He made the astonishing remark while speaking at a supporters' club meeting.

Manchester United's manager was asked about the temperament of the England star who was sent off last Wednesday for sarcastically applauding in the referee's face.

Sexton said: "Rooney's from Liverpool and everyone from that city has a chip on their shoulder, so if an injustice is done to him on the pitch, of course he is going to react."