Rooney's 2 game ban by the FA upheld. Rooney becomes the first player ever to be banned by the FA for swearing at the cameras are many others have done it before. To make matters worse, Rooney apologized only hours after swearing while the others never bothered to apologize. This is pure persecution. Whether it's for being one of the greatest players, being a Man U player, influence from the media etc. is anyone's guess.

After the England - Algeria 0 - 0 draw in South Africa, Rooney swore at the English fans who were booing them. He specifically said "Nice to hear your own fans booing you, That's what you call loyal support. For f***'s sake.". Did the FA ban him (withdraw him from the final group game against Slovenia)? NO! Did they give him a warning? Hell NO! Did they publicly reprimand him? You guessed right, NO!!! As a matter of fact, they just let the matter slide. Why? For selfish reasons. They were just thinking of England's progression in the tournament. Now the same bunch of fellows turn around and ban him for two games for swearing at no one in particular. Highest level of hypocrisy!!!

We will miss him at Wembley. Saturday we'll do just fine. On a brighter side, this can't be good news for Chelsea. He'll definitely be fresh enough to score one or two goals against them in the return match at OT. Mark my words. The anger will also help - if he can control and redirect it.

The Link: Rooney's Ban Upheld

In other but related news...........

There is a rumour that the busy FA disciplinary department might charge Liverpool with bringing the game into disrepute . . . for nicking £50million off Chelsea.

This will not affect the EPL title race. It is the FA semi final I am concerned about. The game against Man City calls for a Rooney - Chicharito partnership as opposed to Berbatov - Chicharito partnership. Rooney's persistence and energy coupled with Chicha's speed and predatory instincts is just what you need in such a game.

Let's hope Berba will surprise me on the day though. But I guess this development confines him to the bench - again - in the CL second leg match against Chelsea.

@MaichBlack...........You can't use the word "credible" and soccer running bodies in the same sentence. These guys are simply crooks. Since they realised that Rooney will not elbow somebody else this season, his recent outbursts were a god-send for them.

They always source their news from mainstream press. Plus if you concentrate on official club websites, you will never know, for instance, that Jack Wilshere, at 19, is soon to become a father with an ex-girlfriend.