Capello warns Rooney about his discipline

Fabio Capello has offered Wayne Rooney a timely reminder of his responsibilities as an England player following his furious reaction to being sent off in Manchester United’s defeat by Fulham last weekend, choosing to break the ice on the issue by jokingly branding the striker “a crazy man” in front of the national squad, The Guardian reported.

The first-team coach gathered the 23-man party together before training at London Colney and, having seen footage of Rooney’s dismissal at Craven Cottage on Saturday, light-heartedly turned to the striker and asked: “What were you doing punching the corner flag? You’re a crazy man, a crazy man.” It had the desired effect, lancing any tension as England’s players erupted in laughter, though Capello subsequently took the 23-year-old to one side and, with an arm round his shoulder, reiterated that he cannot afford to let such ill-discipline creep into his game.