Moyes defends Rooney tantrum

DAVID Moyes defended Wayne Rooney after the England striker was fortunate to avoid a red card in Manchester United’s 2–2 draw at Cardiff.

Rooney clashed with Bluebirds midfielder Jordon Mutch in the eighth minute at Cardiff City Stadium, kicking his opponent and appearing to strike him as they fell.

Referee Neil Swarbrick gave a yellow card and Rooney went on to open the scoring with a turn and low finish, before his corner allowed Patrice Evra to head home United’s second.

Cardiff twice levelled, with Fraizer Campbell finishing from a sumptuous Jordan Mutch pass against his former club, before Kim Bo–kyung headed in to earn a point in stoppage time.

Moyes felt Swarbrick had got the Rooney decision right, but believed his side lost concentration later.

Moyes said: “I think Mutch runs across his path and runs down the line of the ball and I think Wayne’s half in motion, I don’t think it is any more than a booking, that’s for sure.”

Cardiff manager Mackay also played down the Rooney incident: “I have looked at it again and some referees might send him off, but I thought he handled it well.”