Rooney accepts bad language charge but appeals ban

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney accepted a Football Association charge after swearing into a television camera, but will challenge the severity of his two-match ban.

London: Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney on Tuesday accepted a Football Association charge after swearing into a television camera, but will challenge the severity of his two-match ban.

In United`s victory over West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday, Rooney scored a rapid-fire hat trick before swearing into the camera during the goal celebrations. "Rooney has today admitted a charge for the use of offensive, insulting and/or abusive language," the FA said in a statement. "However, Rooney has submitted a claim that the automatic penalty of two games is clearly excessive. A commission will hear the submission tomorrow (Wednesday)." If Rooney`s claim fails he runs the risk of having a suspension that currently includes Saturday`s league match with Fulham and the following week`s FA Cup semifinal with Manchester City extended. Gordon Taylor, who is chief executive of the players` union, has questioned the FA`s decision to charge Rooney. "Whilst the use of foul and abusive language is not condoned, there is an acceptance by all parties within the game that `industrial language` is commonly used," Taylor said."It becomes an issue when directed towards match officials. However, when used in a spontaneous way in celebration or frustration then it is not normally expected to merit a sanction. If sanctions are to be imposed in such circumstances then this has to be done in a balanced and consistent manner, and participants made aware of this fundamental change in approach."The charge was described on the Professional Footballers` Association website as being "unprecedented" and if upheld would set a "dangerous precedent" leading to a greater number of players being dismissed. Bureau Report