Rooney apologises for World Cup outburst
Updated on 19 June 2010
England striker Wayne Rooney says he is sorry for "any offence caused" by his post-match rant at England supporters after last night's 0-0 draw with Algeria, in which he noted sarcastically: "It's nice to get booed by your own fans."
The FA has issued a formal complaint to Fifa, football's world governing body, after a fan got past security and managed to enter the England dressing room after last night's World Cup game against Algeria.
The intruder is reported to have vented his anger at England's poor performance before he was hustled away by a Fifa official.
The incident came within minutes of Princes William and Harry, who attended the match, leaving the scene. Several players, together with backroom staff, including David Beckham, were present.
And FA spokesman said: "We have formally complained to Fifa after the game and will follow it up in writing.
"This is not acceptable, and thankfully no serious harm was done."
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Shortly before the dressing room incident, Wayne Rooney was seen to deliver a verbal blast to England supporters as he left the field after the Algeria game.
As boos rang around Cape Town’s Green Point stadium, the England striker mouthed to a television camera: "It's nice to get booed by your own fans. Very loyal, for ****'s sake."
Meanwhile, England’s new first-choice goalkeeper, David James, has hinted at discord within the England camp by rejecting manager Fabio Capello's claim that the team played with fear in Cape Town on Friday night.
Informed by his interviewer than Capello had claimed an element of fear had returned to England's game, James retorted: "Did he?"
He continued: "Arguably, it is more frustration than fear."
England play their final group game against Group C leaders Slovenia next Wednesday. Anything less than victory in that game would almost certainly mean England going home from South Africa without reaching the knock-out stages of the World Cup.
