I was out of order, admits Rooney

Hat-trick hero in hot water after outburst
WAYNE Rooney will today learn if he faces any sanction for his foul–mouthed goal celebration in Manchester United's 4–2 Barclays Premier League win at West Ham.

Football Association director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking confirmed footage of Rooney swearing directly into a television camera at Upton Park was set to be examined.

England striker Rooney issued a formal apology for his outburst after he completed a match–turning hat–trick.

He said: "I want to apologise for any offence that may have been caused by my goal celebration, especially any parents or children that were watching.

“Emotions were running high and, on reflection, my heat–of–the–moment reaction was inappropriate.

“It was not aimed at anyone in particular."

But the FA have still looked into the matter, which could see the 25–year–old punished.

Rooney could be warned, which appears the most likely outcome if the FA do take action, but there is also the possibility of a suspension.

A one–match ban would rule him out of Saturday's home game against Fulham, with a two–match suspension sidelining him for the following weekend's Manchester derby FA Cup semi–final.

It is understood sanctioning a player for swearing into a camera may be unprecedented in English football.

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was handed a three–match ban – with a further two matches suspended – by UEFA for a similar offence during the 2009 Champions League semi–final against Barcelona, but his tirade was deemed to have been directed at the referee.

Rooney’s outburst could not disguise a glorious fightback by United, who found themselves 2–0 behind at half-time after Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic inexplicably conceded penalties converted by Mark Noble.

In a sensational 19 minutes — which included a 14–minute Rooney hat–trick — the leaders turned a 2–0 defeat into easy victory, propelling them eight points clear at the top of the table.