Rooney´s two-match ban stands

Wayne Rooney will miss Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City after his two-match ban for swearing was upheld.

Rooney was charged with using offensive language after unleashing a curse-laden tirade into a TV camera while celebrating his hat-trick goal against West Ham United in the Premier League last Saturday.

United had hoped to reduce the ‘excessive’ ban to one game – thus freeing the striker for the Cup derby – on the grounds that Rooney had apologised immediately afterwards.

But the Football Association dismissed United’s appeal on Thursday.

The 25-year-old released a statement shortly after the FA’s announcement saying he was ‘gutted’ by the decision.

“I am not the first player to have sworn on TV and I won’t be the last,” Rooney said.

“Unlike others who have been caught swearing on camera, I apologised immediately. And yet I am the only person banned for swearing. That doesn’t seem right.”

“Whatever, I have to accept that what’s happened has happened and move on from here. That is what I intend to do.”

United also issued a statement, saying: “The club put forward a very strong case to have the punishment reduced, which was unsuccessful.”

“Wayne Rooney apologised immediately after the match, and the club now wishes to move to on to what hopefully will be a very exciting conclusion to the season.”

Rooney will miss Saturday’s league game against Fulham and the trip to Wembley next Saturday.

He will still be able to take part in United’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Chelsea next Tuesday, and will return to league duties against Newcastle United on April 19.