Rooney forced to issue apology

LONDON (AP):

Handed the captaincy of England and Manchester United, Wayne Rooney curbed his once-wild behaviour that often landed him in trouble.

But at 31, and as a father of three, Rooney's conduct is under scrutiny again.

Once again, he has been forced to issue an apology just as he is struggling to hold a place in United and England starting line-ups.

The statement of contrition to the England management and fans came after Rooney dropped into a wedding taking place at the England team hotel on Saturday night. Pictures of the bleary-eyed striker were published with guests.

Rooney, who played in Friday's World Cup qualifying win over Scotland, was off duty at the time, but the behaviour of England's all-time top scorer is still troubling the team management.

Rooney acknowledged the football association's concerns.

"Naturally, Wayne is sorry that pictures taken with fans have been published today," Rooney's management team said in response to a front-page story in The Sun newspaper. "Although it was a day off for the whole squad and staff, he fully recognises that the images are inappropriate for someone in his position.

"Earlier today, Wayne spoke privately to both (interim manager) Gareth Southgate and (technical director) Dan Ashworth to unreservedly apologise. He would like to further extend that apology to any young fans who have seen these pictures."

When asked about the pictures after Tuesday's draw with Spain, Southgate insisted Rooney's absence from the friendly was due to an injury sustained in Friday's win over Scotland rather than being the result of The Sun's story.

But the FA said on Wednesday: "All England personnel have a responsibility to behave appropriately at all times. We will be reviewing our policy around free time while on international duty."