FA Cup - Rooney loses appeal against ban

EUROSPORT-Wayne Rooney will miss Manchester United's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City after losing his appeal against a two-match ban for swearing at a TV camera.

The striker had admitted a charge of using offensive, insulting and/or abusive language, but had contested the length of the sanction, claiming it was excessive.
However, the FA's sanction has been upheld, and he will miss Saturday's Premier League encounter with Fulham and that eagerly-anticipated clash with City at Wembley on April 16.
Rooney's expletive-strewn rant was picked up by microphones after he completed his hat-trick against West Ham at Upton Park last Saturday.
United released the following statement: "Manchester United is clearly very disappointed with the Regulatory Commission's decision.
"The Club put forward a very strong case to have the punishment reduced, which was unsuccessful.
"Wayne Rooney apologised immediately after the match and the club now wishes to move to on to what hopefully will be a very exciting conclusion to the season."
It is extremely rare for a player to be banned simply for swearing, and while it is officially outlawed, foul language remains commonplace on English football pitches.