Playing away could cost Roo dear

ALLEGATIONS that Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney cheated on his wife Coleen with a prostitute have been splashed across the national newspapers. Reporter Karen Doherty asked shoppers if the claims had tarnished his reputation and would affect his performance on the pitch?

OPPOSITION fans are usually keen to put the boot into their rivals but Manchester City fan Jacquie Pike resisted the opportunity when it came to the Reds’ star man.

“What’s that got to do with football? His private life should be his private life,” insisted the 42-year-old from Oldham.

“It hasn’t affected his performance and he is still a good player. Although he plays for Manchester United it doesn’t make any difference to me. He plays well for England.”

Husband David (44) joked that Rooney shouldn’t be allowed to play for England, but said seriously: “I’ve seen worse on the pitch!”

Liverpool fan Neil Fotheringham (36) will also continue to support Rooney when he pulls on an England shirt, adding: “He is an idiot really, there’s not much else you can say.

“He deserves it if Coleen leaves him and takes the child with her, but it shouldn’t affect his football. His private life is his private life.”

Manchester United fan Jackie Flanagan (48), from Failsworth, criticised the press. “I just wish they would let them get on with their private lives themselves,” she said.

“It is nothing to do with the supporters and it’s all hyped-up by the media. Unfortunately, football is all about their personal lives.”

Opposing fans might have some unsavoury chants up their sleeves admitted Albert Mills, from Chadderton.

However, the 63-year-old said: “The stories shouldn’t affect his football at all — we all have our dark sides.”

United fan Tina Hewitt (40) added: “I don’t think it will affect his performance on the pitch but he is a role model for children. He should not be playing for England.”

Eileen Taylor (63), from Coppice, was also unforgiving. She said: “I usually watch the big games.

“I was really upset to hear about Rooney, mainly because of his wife and the effect it has had on other people.

“They have so much money and they just take things for granted. The most important things are home, family and people you love — it doesn’t matter how much money you have.

“People look up to these footballers and make idols of them then they are let down.”