Plymouth Argyle boss Wayne Rooney found himself in hot water on Tuesday after the Football Association (FA) charged him for his behavior during a dramatic win over Blackburn Rovers. The incident unfolded during Saturday’s match, where Plymouth was leading 1-0 before Blackburn equalized in the 86th minute. Rooney and his players felt the goal should have been disallowed, and the former Manchester United and England star was visibly upset with the fourth official.
Referee James Linington showed Rooney a red card, and the 38-year-old initially left the pitch. However, he made a surprise return to the field to celebrate a 97th-minute winner from Morgan Whitaker, securing a 2-1 victory for Plymouth.
The FA released a statement outlining the charges against Rooney. They allege that his conduct around the 87th minute was improper and that he used abusive and/or insulting language towards a match official, leading to his dismissal. The FA further alleges that Rooney’s conduct after being dismissed was improper and/or violent, and that his return to the field of play after being sent off constituted improper behavior.
Rooney has until Tuesday to respond to the charges. On Monday, he admitted to deserving the red card, stating, “It’s my first time as manager receiving a red. We worked extremely hard to win the game and to have that taken away by a mistake by the officials I felt was really harsh. I reacted in a manner which I probably shouldn’t have and the red card was deserved from that point of view.”
Rooney, who took charge of Plymouth at the beginning of the season, will have to navigate these charges while leading his team in the Championship. Plymouth currently sits 14th in the league standings.
