Wayne Rooney, former Manchester United star, shared insights into his controversial suspension during a BBC Radio 5 Live broadcast from Wembley Stadium. The discussion, part of the BBC’s build-up to a match, included former Manchester City player Micah Richards and host Mark Chapman. The conversation turned to the 2011 FA Cup final, where Rooney recalled missing the Manchester derby semi-final due to a suspension, which Manchester United lost to a lone Yaya Toure goal.
Wayne Rooney said: “I think that was the year- did you play United in the semi-final?” Micah Richards replied: “Yes, I was actually injured for that one. [Pablo] Zabaleta played, and I got put back in for the final.” Rooney then remarked: “I controversially got suspended for the semi-final.” Encouraging his fellow pundit to divulge further information, Richards questioned: “Controversially? Do you want to elaborate on that?” Rooney responded: “Well, have you ever heard of a two-game ban? It’s one or three, no?” Chapman and Richards concurred, both asking for a reminder of what happened. Rooney explained: “I scored a hat-trick against West Ham [United] and I swore down the camera.”
Rooney continued: “Working for the FA at the time was an ex-City guy, and they gave me a two-game ban, and the second game was against Man City in the semi-final.” Richards, in response, asked, “Why are you just telling us this now?” Chapman added: “Conspiracy theories and conspiracy theorists, eh?” Rooney remarked: “City cheating again, look.” Richards then exclaimed: “You can’t say that!” Chapman interjected to clarify: “That’s what they haven’t done as yet, and they deny that, Wayne.” Rooney injected to claim it was just “jokes” as Chapman continued.
Rooney’s comments sparked a lively debate among the panel, with Richards and Chapman seeking clarification on the suspension. The incident in question occurred after Rooney scored a hat-trick against West Ham United and swore into a camera, leading to a two-game ban. This suspension notably included the Manchester derby semi-final, which Rooney humorously suggested was influenced by a former City employee working for the FA at the time.
The exchange highlighted the camaraderie and banter between the former players and the host, with Chapman stepping in to ensure the conversation remained light-hearted. Rooney’s reflections on the incident provided an intriguing glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of football governance and the impact of disciplinary actions on high-profile matches.
