Wayne Rooney has been hit with a one-match touchline ban and a £5,500 fine after a furious outburst in Plymouth’s 2-1 win over Blackburn in September.
The Plymouth boss was given his marching orders after he reacted angrily to Blackburn’s equaliser being allowed to stand in the 86th minute. He has admitted to three charges of improper conduct.
Plymouth were adamant that there had been a foul in the build-up and Rooney seemingly said something to upset fourth official Jacob Miles, who informed referee James Linington.
However, Plymouth’s players responded well to the goal and to Rooney being sent to the stands. Argyle went on to score the winning goal in the seventh minute of added time.
A statement from the FA read: ‘It was alleged that the manager’s conduct around the 87th minute was improper and/or he used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official, which led to his dismissal.
Wayne Rooney has been slapped with a one-match touchline ban and a £5,500 fine
He was shown a red card after a furious outburst and making a comment to the fourth official
Rooney was dismissed by ref James Linington after reacting angrily to Blackburn’s equaliser
‘It was further alleged that following his dismissal his conduct was improper and/or violent. It was also alleged that by returning to the field of play after being dismissed his behaviour was improper.
‘Wayne Rooney admitted to this charge and an independent Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing. Its written reasons for them will be published in due course.’
‘I showed my frustration and emotion in what I felt was a free-kick,’ Rooney told BBC Radio Devon on Thursday.
‘I think everyone in the stadium bar the officials saw that and that boiled over.
‘It’s not ideal, but it happens in football and we move on, and I’m delighted we got the win in the end.
‘It’s not ideal of course, you want to be there, but when you get sent off, if that’s the case that I’m not allowed to be in the dugout, I have to accept that.’
Former Southampton forward Michael Obafemi had opened the scoring for Plymouth before Joe Rankin-Costello’s looping header drew Blackburn level, despite complaints from the home side.
It was then Morgan Whittaker, a £1million signing from Swansea last summer, who struck the winning goal in added time.
Plymouth are 14th in the Championship and that is a status they can be happy with after appointing Rooney in the summer. Argyle only stayed up on the final day of last season, surviving by a point.
A 4-0 pummelling by Sheffield Wednesday to kick off the Championship season had seen the vultures swoop on Rooney.
But three wins in their last five, all coming at Home Park, have eased concerns and they are only five points off the play-offs.
Plymouth are the fourth club of Rooney’s managerial career following stints with Derby, D.C. United and Birmingham.
More to follow.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk