Aalborg accuses Rooney of stamping

Source: Agencies  |   2008-12-12  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

MANCHESTER United striker Wayne Rooney was accused of stamping by Aalborg midfielder Kasper Risgaard during Wednesday's 2-2 draw in the Champions League.

Rooney escaped any punishment from French referee Laurent Duhamel and went on to clinch the point that sent the defending champion into the knockout phase as Group E winner.

But Risgaard later emerged from the dressing room still feeling pain across his chest, resulting from the incident with Rooney soon after Michael Jakobsen's 32nd-minute goal for 1-1.

"He was jumping at my chest. I do not know why," Risgaard said. "Maybe he was a little bit frustrated but Manchester United were playing some good football. It was still 1-1.

"I do not think the referee saw it. Anywhere else but this place it would have been a red card. I'm disappointed with the challenge, that's what happens in football. I have some big marks. He apologized."

But if UEFA decides to investigate the video evidence, Rooney could face retrospective punishment and miss part of the last-16 phase in February.

"He looked a little bit frustrated today," Aalborg coach Allan Kuhn said. "It's not good for a fantastic footballer like Rooney, you have to keep your head and your calm.

"But that man was a little bit frustrated today. Stupid things happen in football but the Champions League people will take care of it if they have seen something on video. I am not worried about it."

Risgaard was also unhappy with Rooney clashing with captain Thomas Augustinussen.

"There was another incident where he threw an arm, he hurt one of our players," Risgaard said. "We could see they were becoming a little bit frustrated and yelling at each other."