Thursday, March 26, 2009

Capello urges Rooney to calm down

International friendly: England v Slovakia
Venue: Wembley Stadium Date: Saturday, 28 March Kick-off: 1715 GMT
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and online, live text commentary on BBC Sport website & mobiles. Live on Setanta Sports 1


Wayne Rooney
Rooney punched a corner flag on his way off the pitch at Craven Cottage

England coach Fabio Capello has described striker Wayne Rooney as "a crazy man" for his reaction to his recent dismissal against Fulham.

Capello singled out Rooney for a warning at a team meeting ahead of Saturday's meeting with Slovakia.

"What were you doing punching the corner flag? You're a crazy man, a crazy man," he said.

The Manchester United man received a second yellow for throwing the ball in the direction of referee Phil Dowd.

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The 23-year-old was infamously sent off in England's 2006 World Cup defeat to Portugal, but has gone without a caution in his last five internationals.

Before Saturday's indiscretion, for which he will miss United's 5 April meeting with Aston Villa, Rooney had picked up only six bookings in the league this season.

It is thought that Capello has been concerned by a number of incidents involving members of his squad since the last time they met up.

Ashley Cole was arrested earlier this month for being drunk and disorderly while Steven Gerrard faces affray charges over a disturbance at a Southport bar in December.

The Italian disciplinarian hopes a gentle warning will be enough to remind Rooney and others of the need for discipline as they look to make it five wins from five at the top of their World Cup qualifying group against Ukraine on Wednesday.

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