Referee warns Rooney over behaviour

[CDev]

The referee from England's training game against Platinum Stars says Wayne Rooney could easily have been red-carded.

Jeff Selogilwe, who booked Rooney during the 3-0 win, said the Manchester United star's verbal abuse could easily have seen him sent-off.

And he says if that incident was repeated during the World Cup finals, then he would see red from the match official.

"Rooney insulted me, he said 'F*** you'," revealed Selogilwe.

"He must learn to control his temper. He could get sent off in the World Cup, especially if he uses this kind of language.

"If he insults a referee like me, then he will use that vulgar language to other referees as well.

"Maybe the England players thought 'This is just a friendly, we can do what we like and the referees are not that professional'."

Rooney has seemingly improved his on-field behaviour in recent years and has not seen red for England since the 2006 finals when he stamped on Ricardo Carvalho.

"It's a shame. He is a good player when you see him on the TV, but when you see him on the pitch, he just keeps on insulting the referees," added Selogilwe.

"To me it looks like Rooney insults people and fouls other players.

"So I was very disappointed in Rooney because he is my favourite player."

Rooney did try to make amends after the match, by giving the referee his shirt.

"Actually he is still my favourite player. He apologised to me and gave me the shirt he was wearing," he concluded.