Rooney Considering Sponsor Strike
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has threatened to withdraw all co-operation with the English Football Association's (FA) commercial programmes in response to the three-match ban he was handed last week. United claimed it was informed Rooney would escape punishment following his red card against FC Porto in the recent Amsterdam pre-season tournament.
An independent three-man disciplinary panel backed up the view of referee Ruud Bossen that Rooney deserved to be dismissed for his aerial challenge on Porto defender Pepe, even though the TV replays showed the striker kept his eye on the ball as he jumped. The verdict drew an angry response from United, with captain Gary Neville describing it as "shocking", while new England coach Steve McClaren has declared it "unhelpful" as he tries to foster relations with the Premiership's major clubs.
Now, having taken legal advice, Rooney has hit back. And, in a letter to FA chief executive Brian Barwick, issued by his advisor Paul Stretford, copied to United counterpart David Gill, the 20-year-old is threatening not to allow his image to be used as part of any promotional campaign, or get involved in commercial events with FA partners. "Strong representation has been made to the FA regarding the imposition of this three-match ban, which Wayne Rooney feels strongly is entirely unjustified," said a spokesman for Rooney. In the letter, Stretford expresses "Wayne's complete dismay" at the decision, adding that Rooney feels "extremely let down".
The letter added: "While he will continue, if selected, to play for his country with pride and commitment, he is considering withdrawing his support for the FA's commercial programme: In other words, he will not allow his image to be used or exploited, or participate in personal appearances for and on behalf of the FA's commercial partners unless he is satisfied with how the FA conducts its affairs in regard to player matters." Rooney is now awaiting a reply to the letter before deciding on his next course of action.
An independent three-man disciplinary panel backed up the view of referee Ruud Bossen that Rooney deserved to be dismissed for his aerial challenge on Porto defender Pepe, even though the TV replays showed the striker kept his eye on the ball as he jumped. The verdict drew an angry response from United, with captain Gary Neville describing it as "shocking", while new England coach Steve McClaren has declared it "unhelpful" as he tries to foster relations with the Premiership's major clubs.
Now, having taken legal advice, Rooney has hit back. And, in a letter to FA chief executive Brian Barwick, issued by his advisor Paul Stretford, copied to United counterpart David Gill, the 20-year-old is threatening not to allow his image to be used as part of any promotional campaign, or get involved in commercial events with FA partners. "Strong representation has been made to the FA regarding the imposition of this three-match ban, which Wayne Rooney feels strongly is entirely unjustified," said a spokesman for Rooney. In the letter, Stretford expresses "Wayne's complete dismay" at the decision, adding that Rooney feels "extremely let down".
The letter added: "While he will continue, if selected, to play for his country with pride and commitment, he is considering withdrawing his support for the FA's commercial programme: In other words, he will not allow his image to be used or exploited, or participate in personal appearances for and on behalf of the FA's commercial partners unless he is satisfied with how the FA conducts its affairs in regard to player matters." Rooney is now awaiting a reply to the letter before deciding on his next course of action.
posted by Robert Halter at 11:11 AM
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