Rooney aplogises for post-match rant

(GSM) – England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has apologised for his post-match rant at England’s fans following England’s scoreless draw with Algeria on Friday night.

The 24-year-old mercurial forward, while making his way off the pitch following the stalemate, turned to a television camera and condemned the fans who had booed the Three Lions’ performance, before swearing.

However, after reflecting on his conduct overnight, Rooney admitted he had gone over the top.

“Last night, on reflection I said things in the heat of the moment that came out of frustration of both our performance and the result,” Rooney said in a statement issued by the Football Association.

“For my part I apologise for any offence caused by my actions at the end of the game.”

The former Everton front-man allowed his frustrations to spill over after failing to score in his sixth consecutive tournament game, a trend that dates back to Euro 2004.

Rooney’s overall display was well below his usual level, prompting further questions to be raised about the Manchester United man’s fitness.

Clearly agitated at a draw that left England in third place in Group C and outside the top two qualifying slots ahead of their final game with Slovenia in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday, Rooney snapped: “Nice to see your own fans booing you. If that’s what loyal support is.”

With England’s passage to the last 16 depending upon their result against Slovenia, Rooney has dealt with the matter so swiftly, while issuing a rallying cry.

“I am as passionate about the England team as anyone,” he added.

“The most important thing now is to regroup, be positive and work towards winning the game on Wednesday.

“To do this the players will need the support of the fans more than ever.”