Rooney will miss semi-final

The Football Association have announced their decision to uphold Rooney’s punishment of a two-match suspension following his outburst at Upton Park last weekend.

The striker proved integral in a 4-2 victory over West Ham but the success of Manchester United’s season so far was dampened as they were told that their appeal to have the ban removed has been unsuccessful.

Having scored the only goal in a 1-0 win this week and ensuring an advantage over Chelsea for the second leg of their Champions League quarter final, the ban means that Rooney will not be able to continue to show his current form in the FA Cup semi-final derby against Manchester City at Wembley.

Alex Ferguson will have been hoping for a repeat performance of the most recent meeting between the two teams, when Rooney’s overhead kick secured a 2-1 victory for Manchester United against their local rivals.

His absence has come when the team have relied on him most and will be a big blow for the club. An Old Trafford statement said that they are, “Clearly disappointed with the decision.” Adding that they put forward a strong case to have the punishment reduced.

In a statement issued through his spokesman, Rooney said he was “gutted” at the repercussions of his actions and felt that he had been used as a scape goat.

He said, “Unlike others who have been caught swearing on camera, I apologised immediately. And yet I am the only person banned for swearing. That doesn’t seem right.”

Rooney will miss out on Saturday’s Premier League game against Fulham and, making the two match-ban more severe, the FA Cup semi-final the following week.