Wayne Rooney has been warned about his future conduct following a remark the striker made to television cameras after Manchester United's defeat by Chelsea, the Football Association said on Monday.

Rooney appeared to mouth "12 men" to the cameras following Premier League champions United's 1-0 loss to leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, a remark implying referee Martin Atkinson had been biased in favour of the Blues.

An FA spokesman saidon Monday: "Wayne Rooney has been warned as to his future conduct following remarks made yesterday (Sunday)."

After the match, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson followed up the England striker's comment with some pointed remarks about Atkinson, particularly in relation to the official's decision to award a 76th minute free-kick that led to Chelsea's winner, scored by Blues captain John Terry.

"The referee's position to make the decision was absolutely ridiculous, he can't see anything," Ferguson said. "He's got a Chelsea player (Joe Cole) standing right in front of him and he doesn't even move.

"That goal shoudn't have been allowed. It was a bad decision, but there's nothing we can do about it. You lose faith in refereeing sometimes, that's the way the players are talking in there. It was a bad one."

However, it is understood the FA will not take action against Ferguson as he did not suggest Atkinson was biased or question the referee's integrity.

Chelsea's win left them five points clear of second-placed United.

Join our Facebook fan page Follow us on Twitter

AFP

RSS
Digg
de.li.cious
facebook
LATEST FEATURES
Safa lacks leadership The lack of leadership at Safa is to blame for Bafana's demise on the international stage.
Out of touch, out of mind (c) backpagepix The recent behaviour of some sports administrators in SA proves just how out of touch they are.
Bok player ratings We rate the Springbok players' performance in the 22-17 loss to the Leicester Tigers.