Rooney gets his calls, with a phone thrown in

By Richard Copeman
January 17, 2005

Liverpool: Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is embroiled in fresh controversy after provocatively celebrating his match-winning goal against Liverpool in front of the Kop.

Rooney's 21st-minute effort on Saturday earned United a 1-0 victory in the premiership encounter, his low shot slipping through the grasp of home goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek.

But it was what followed which became the day's main talking point, with the former Everton striker gesticulating in front of the Liverpool faithful and having a mobile phone thrown at him.

Police have confirmed they had made one arrest relating to the incident in which Rooney cupped his hands round his ears as if encouraging an addition to the jeering he had encountered throughout the afternoon.

His conduct was, however, defended by United manager Alex Ferguson, who insisted: "That's the end where he's scored the goal so that's where he is going to celebrate. I don't think he has overdone it."

Police said the man who had been arrested had been detained in connection with a throwing incident but could not confirm whether he had thrown the phone.

An FA spokesman, who said he had not seen the incident, added: "Obviously we will study any reports from the game, as we would any game."

The victory meant that United completed the league "double" over Liverpool for the second time in three seasons. That is despite finishing with 10 men after defender Wes Brown was sent off for a second yellow card. However, nothing Liverpool could throw at them, including a promising debut by Fernando Morientes, could disrupt a defence inspired by the outstanding Mikael Silvestre.

"It was a great performance. It was a fantastic game, tense and competitive," Ferguson said. "When we were down to 10 men it was a bit of an onslaught and we had to survive that - and we did."

Telegraph, London