Rooney criticized for 'F*** you' referee rant

London, Jun 8 (ANI): Referee Jeff Selogilwe has criticized England's ace striker Wayne Rooney for his behaviour in the warm-up game against South African outfit Platinum Stars.

Rooney has been branded a foul-mouthed World Cup liability after he insulted the referee.

Selogilwe booked Rooney during the 3-0 win, and said: "Rooney insulted me, he said 'F*** you'. He must learn to control his temper. He could get sent off in the World Cup, especially if he uses this kind of language."

"If he insults a referee like me, then he will use that vulgar language to other referees as well," The Sun quoted him, as saying.

The Manchester United star was red-carded in England's last World Cup finals game in 2006 for stamping on Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho.

Selogilwe said: "Maybe the England players thought 'This is just a friendly, we can do what we like and the referees are not that professional'.

"It's a shame. He is a good player when you see him on the TV, but when you see him on the pitch; he just keeps on insulting the referees.

"To me it looks like Rooney insults people and fouls other players. So I was very disappointed in Rooney because he is my favourite player," he said.

Selogilwe added with a smile: "Actually he is still my favourite player. He apologised to me and gave me the shirt he was wearing." (ANI)