Wayne Rooney has apologised for the red card that will see him miss the whole of October for Manchester United.
Rooney was shown a straight red for a wild kick at Stewart Downing in United’s hard-fought 2-1 win over West Ham at Old Trafford.
The violent conduct dismissal carries a three-match ban, which means Rooney will miss games against Everton, West Brom and Chelsea next month.
But the United and England skipper – who will not appeal the decision – insisted the red mist had not returned and claimed it was simply a mistimed challenge.
“Obviously we got away with it by getting the win, but I’m really gutted that I’m going to be missing the next three games,” said Rooney. “That’s the most disappointing thing.
“It’s hard to take and I am obviously gutted. But it was probably the right decision. I saw the West Ham player making a counter-attack and I tried to break-up the play, but just misjudged it.
“It was a dangerous situation in that they were trying to break on us and I’ve just misjudged it, simple as that, but I have no complaints.
“I understand it. I knew at the time that I misjudged it. It’s a red card and I don’t think it will benefit anyone to appeal the decision.”
Rooney revealed he apologised to his United team-mates afterwards and hit back at the suggestion he has an ongoing problem with his temper.
“I expect people to say that but, at the end of the day, I was trying to break up the play,” said Rooney.
“Yeah, of course I did [apologise]. I think everyone knew [I was in the wrong], so I’m just grateful that the lads were able to hold on.
“It’s always tough against 11 men when you’re a man down, especially when they’re throwing a lot of balls into the box as they were, so I’m grateful that we held out.”
Source: Mirror