Wayne Rooney very much earned a red card today at the 59′ minute mark for this kick to the lower body of West Ham’s Stewart Downing. This is seriously one of the dumbest red cards you will ever see at any level and the mistake got him sent off and relegated Manchester United to just ten men for the final third of the match.
(Update: here’s what Louis van Gaal had to say about the red card after the match)
Just blatant. Not even a question that this maneuver constitutes “violent play,” and earned Rooney a three game suspension. He will miss the matches versus Everton, West Brom and Chelsea. That last one is especially critical and just drives home the point of what a ridiculously bad decision this was on Rooney’s part.
What was he thinking?
Now Wayne Rooney won’t return until November 2nd, for the Manchester Derby versus Man City. So much for the Wayne Rooney is truly becoming a leader and/or Wayne Rooney is conveying the leadership of a Captain narrative. This was such a terrible example to set for the younger player. Rooney almost kicked an opponent in the groin area. Just indefensible and inexplicable.
On the plus side, Rooney did score for United today, and they went on to collect a much needed three points holding on to win at home 2-1. It was a very admirable effort for the Red Devils considering they had to play with just ten men for 31 minutes today.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and very often writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partners with Fox Sports. Read his features stories in the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. Listen to him on 1620 The Zone. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks). His work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets including The Washington Post and ESPN 2