Tag Archives: punishment

Sam Allardyce blasts West Ham fans for anti-Semitic chants against Tottenham

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Allardyce blasts own fans for anti-Semitic chants and insists Hammers will act forcefully

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UPDATED:

10:51 GMT, 27 November 2012

DAVID GOLD

David Gold

The West Ham joint chairman wrote about the unsavoury incident for Sportsmail.

Click here to read his words

Sam Allardyce has condemned the West Ham supporters who disgraced the club by chanting anti-Semitic abuse at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

The Hammers manager urged the authorities to punish the perpetrators with the toughest sanctions after travelling fans mocked the Holocaust and the stabbings of Spurs fans in Rome.

He said he had not been able to comment on the vile singing immediately after the game because he had not heard the worst offences but has since watched video footage and was appalled.

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Crime and punishment: Sam Allardyce says the fans who chanted will face severe penalties

Crime and punishment: Sam Allardyce says the fans who chanted will face severe penalties

Let down: West Ham fans hit a new low with their chants at White Hart Lane

Let down: West Ham fans hit a new low with their chants at White Hart Lane

Allardyce said: 'I had no idea what
had been said or done. I wasn’t prepared to comment on it having not
heard what went on. We were in a difficult position and I was not in the
best of moods. I was expecting to talk about football.

Having seen the abuse he added: 'I was
very, very disappointed to hear what went on from a small minority.
Nobody condones it. We have zero tolerance at the club and the
authorities deal with it.

'I don’t wish to hear any of that
chanting. I must stress it is a small minority. The good thing is with
CCTV cameras it’s difficult to get away with. They can be picked out and
punished accordingly.'

VIDEO: Anti-semitic chants at Spurs Fan's video captures shouts in stands

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Asked if the chanting signalled a
return to the dark days of the Seventies, Allardyce added: 'I hope not.
We continue to do all we possibly can for it not to happen. If we punish
people in the right way we will stop it.'

Israel midfielder Yossi Benayoun, who
is on loan at West Ham from Chelsea, spoke of his disappointment and
embarrassment after away supporters hissed and sang vile songs about
Adolf Hitler on Sunday.

Benayoun wrote on Twitter: ‘I have a
great relationship with the West Ham United supporters from my first
spell at the club and again now I am back on loan here. This is why I
was very disappointed to hear some of the songs yesterday and it was
embarrassing.

Embarrassed: Yossi Benayoun (right) was unimpressed with the vile chants

Embarrassed: Yossi Benayoun (right) was unimpressed with the vile chants

At the double: Jermain Defoe scored twice as Tottenham cruised to victory over West Ham

At the double: Jermain Defoe scored twice as Tottenham cruised to victory over West Ham

'But we need to remember that it was
made by a minority group of fans and I'm sure the FA together with West
Ham United football club will do everything to find and punish them.'

New QPR boss and former West Ham and Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has hit out at the perpetrators of the offending chants.

He said: ‘We don’t want to go back to what we had with all the violence in the Seventies — we can’t have that again.

‘When they get in a group it’s filth. It’s disgusting and people are supposed to stand there and take it.

‘They chant at managers, at players
and at each other and it has nothing to do with the football. They are
cowards. It’s disgusting and I keep hearing it, but it’s not right.’

Two West Ham supporters have been
arrested following the chanting. The two fans have accepted police
cautions reportedly for making Nazi salutes, while one of them, a season
ticket holder at Upton Park, has already been issued with a life-time
banning order by the club.

Aftermath: The Drunken Ship pub in Rome were Spurs fans where attacked this week

Aftermath: The Drunken Ship pub in Rome were Spurs fans where attacked this week

Three and easy: Tottenham climbed above the Hammers with this win on Sunday

Three and easy: Tottenham climbed above the Hammers with this win on Sunday

WEST HAM'S OFFICIAL STATEMENT

West Ham United are in contact with
Tottenham Hotspur to assist them with their investigation into the
conduct of a small number of supporters and alleged inappropriate
chanting during yesterday's match at White Hart Lane.

West
Ham United will take the strongest possible action against any of their
supporters, including enforcing life bans from the club, that are found
guilty of behaviour which is categorically not condoned by West Ham
United.

During the 46 games
in the Championship last season, West Ham United had zero arrests for
racism or violence, so while we are surprised to see such reports today,
we will examine any available evidence of such conduct thoroughly and
take the appropriate action.

Sir Alex Ferguson backs down in Rio Ferdinand T-shirt boycott

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Ferdinand peace deal: Sir Alex backs down on Kick It Out T-shirt boycott

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UPDATED:

21:45 GMT, 21 October 2012

Rio Ferdinand and Sir Alex Ferguson had a training ground summit on Sunday to thrash out their differences over the Kick It Out controversy.

The Manchester United defender refused to wear a T-shirt in support of football’s anti-racism movement before Saturday’s 4-2 win over Stoke, prompting his manager to hint at severe punishment in a post-match TV interview.

On Sunday morning, however, the two met in Ferguson’s office at the club’s Carrington training ground, where Ferdinand arrived with the rest of the first team for a massage and warm-down session.

In the red: Rio Ferdinand did not wear the Kick It Out t-shirt before Manchester United played Stoke

In the red: Rio Ferdinand did not wear the Kick It Out t-shirt before Manchester United played Stoke

We're in: Anderson and Wayne Rooney (right) wore the anti-racism t-shirts during the warm-up

We're in: Anderson and Wayne Rooney (right) wore the anti-racism t-shirts during the warm-up

Ferguson told Ferdinand he was
disappointed — not that the defender did not wear the T-shirt, but that
he didn’t warn him. Ferguson thinks this made him look foolish after he
told the media on Friday that all his players would wear the T-shirts.

Ferdinand accepted this point and the two agreed to move on.

A United source said on Sunday night:
'Rio wanted to make it clear that he wasn’t deliberately trying to
ignore his manager’s instructions while the manager just said he ought
to have been told in advance.'

With so many other players choosing not to wear the shirt, Ferguson would risk a lengthy dispute if he tries to fine Ferdinand.

On Sunday afternoon Ferdinand’s
brother Anton, along with five Queens Park Rangers team-mates, also
refused to wear a T-shirt before the 1-1 draw with Everton.

And it emerged that the man who
started the debate over the value of the Kick it Out campaign is set to
meet the group for talks.

Reading striker Jason Roberts
suggested players should not back the campaign because it was
ineffectual. Now it is understood Roberts intends to meet Kick it Out
chairman Lord Ouseley this week to talk about ways to make the
organisation stronger.

Rio Ferdinand was criticised by former United defender Viv Anderson, the first black footballer to represent England.

Anderson said: 'It's not just the
football club, it's the FA, the players' union, the managers' union,
they all back Kick It Out.

Disappointed: Sir Alex Ferguson hit out at Ferdinand, saying he had embarrassed the club

Disappointed: Sir Alex Ferguson hit out at Ferdinand, saying he had embarrassed the club

'I know Rio's not happy but you can’t have things all over the place because it doesn't achieve anything.'

Ferdinand was upset at the way the
John Terry race affair was handled and unhappy with comments Lord
Ouseley made on Friday evening, saying he could not speak for ‘black
footballers who have lots of money and power’.

PFA chief Gordon Taylor, who
contacted Ferguson on Saturday night, said: ‘We have a section of
players who are biting the hand that feeds them.

'I find it strange that Kick It Out
should be targeted when Lord Ouseley, Garth Crooks and Paul Elliott have
been so illuminating on the issue and done so much to highlight issues
in this area.'

Following suit: Rio's brother, the QPR defender, Anton Ferdinand also warmed up without the shirt

Following suit: Rio's brother, the QPR defender, Anton Ferdinand also warmed up without the shirt

Following suit: Rio's brother, the QPR defender, Anton Ferdinand also warmed up without the shirt

PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle was more
supportive, saying: ‘We will make sure Rio’s rights as a human being,
never mind as a footballer, are not undermined in this position.

'Everyone has a right to free speech —
just like you can’t coerce anyone into shaking hands, you can’t make
somebody wear a T-shirt — although I do believe joining in with the
campaign is the best way forward.'

QPR manager Mark Hughes said: 'I
spoke to my players before the game and I expected them all to wear the
T-shirts. But I respect their position.'

The Saturday debate: Is John Terry"s punishment of a four-game ban and 220,000 fine right?

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The Saturday debate: Is John Terry's punishment of a four-game ban and 220,000 fine right

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UPDATED:

21:47 GMT, 28 September 2012

After Chelsea captain John Terry was found guilty by the FA of making racist comments to QPR's Anton Ferdinand he was banned for four games and fined 220,000, Sportsmail asks its panel of experts if it was the correct punishment.

MARK BRIGHT (Former Sheffield Wednesday striker)

We can all say John Terry has previous but in this particular case was there enough evidence I don’t think there was. Regardless what went on in the past, if someone’s been found not guilty in court, I don’t think there’s enough evidence.

CYRILLE REGIS ( Former West Brom striker)

A panel of knowledgeable people have gone through the due process and we have to trust they got it right. People are making comparisons with Luis Suarez, but he used the term negro seven times, whereas Terry was found guilty of using racist language once. I know he had already appeared in a court of law but this was a different charge. It was simply use of racist language and, having been found guilty, a four-game ban is about right.

Fined and banned: John Terry has had his punishment from The FA

Fined and banned: John Terry has had his punishment from The FA

NEIL ASHTON (Football news correspondent)

Four games is irrelevant. If it is confirmed in the FA’s judgment that John Terry was wrong to accuse Anton Ferdinand of inventing a racist allegation at Loftus Road last October, the biggest punishment for Terry is that he will have to live with that. It would be seen as an immoral tool that Terry used to try to wriggle out of the charges.

CHRIS WHEELER (Football reporter)

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Flashpoint: The moment when Terry was accused of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand last season

SHAKA HISLOP (Former Newcastle keeper)

The FA are weak, biased and xenophobic. I have lost all faith in them. There are a number of ways you can abuse someone over their skin colour and John Terry went to one extreme. From now on, is it OK to shout racist abuse at someone, provided it finishes with a question mark Absolutely not. The FA are showing they are quite happy to stamp out racism, as long as it is not committed by an Anglo-Saxon English captain of the national team.

ALAN PARDEW (Newcastle manager)

You want to see consistency in the number of games and the fine and that needs to be looked at going forward because the fine should be heavy if he is guilty. I am not in possession of all the facts but I think the FA should explain why they have come to those decisions.

London 2012 Olympics: Rebecca Adlington exclusive

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EXCLUSIVE: I'll be going for gold and then getting on my bike, says Adlington

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UPDATED:

22:05 GMT, 10 July 2012

After Rebecca Adlington became a double Olympic champion in Beijing four years ago she was given a 460 pair of gold-coloured Jimmy Choo high heels.

Her plans after she attempts to defend her titles in London could not be more different: she is going on a 280-mile four-day charity bike ride across Zambia.

While most of her team-mates will be enjoying a well-earned holiday, Adlington will train for six weeks before setting off on her adventure in early October.

Long road ahead: Defending Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington with Sportsmail's Laura Williamson

Long road ahead: Defending Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington with Sportsmail's Laura Williamson

‘Am I a glutton for punishment’ she asks, laughing. ‘I know I am. It’s an absolute nightmare.

‘I’d always said that after the Games I’ll take two or three months off. I was thinking I had Keri-Anne Payne’s wedding, I would get to go on holiday and chill out.

'But no — I’m going to be in six weeks of hard training for a bike ride and then trying to cycle 280 miles.

‘It’s something completely out of my comfort zone. That’s what made me jump on board. I didn’t even need to think about it. I was like, “Yes, count me in!” ’

There are, however, a few things about this admirable idea that are worrying Adlington. The fact she hasn’t been on a bike for 12 years and is ‘awful’ at training in the gym is a particular concern.

Eyes onthe prize: Adlington admits she's a glutton for punishment in the gym

Eyes onthe prize: Adlington admits she's a glutton for punishment in the gym

‘I think I need more confidence on the bike,’ she adds ahead of her ordeal with 2008 Olympic bronze medallist Jo Jackson, 2006 Commonwealth Games 200m freestyle champion Ross Davenport and former British swimmer Mel Marshall.

She says: ‘It sounds really stupid but I would be more scared about falling off. I’m used to being in a pool and having nobody near me, let alone cycling next to me or on a road with cars.’

Adlington confesses she is generally ‘awful’ at any sport other than swimming but, then again, not many of us can give Sir Chris Hoy a quick call for some advice about cycling.

‘I’m going to be ringing him up and saying, “Come on a bike ride with me!” I’m going to be annoying. I’m just going to pester him for advice and stuff. Maybe I can swap a swimming lesson for a cycle lesson’

But the challenge will not just be a physical one. There are the inevitable creepy- crawlies that will plague the group as they cycle along bumpy roads from Livingstone to Lusaka, staying in family homes along the way.

There are the lack of home comforts — ‘I’m not taking my hair straighteners, definitely not. Where would I plug those bad boys in Although maybe I’ll take nail polish and something chocolatey, like a bag of Buttons.’

It will certainly not be glamorous but Adlington, 23, is clearly excited and energised about trying something different.

The group’s aim is to raise 50,000 to build a new physiotherapy wing at an Aids hospice in Lusaka and help to fund the work of Sport in Action, an organisation who try to inspire and develop young people through sport.

Wheely impressive: Adlington will be joined by Ross Davenport and Joanne Jackson

Wheely impressive: Adlington will be joined by Ross Davenport and Joanne Jackson

‘I love the fact we’re staying in random places along the way,’ she says. ‘We’re not going in five-star hotels. We are roughing it — and we’re doing it how it should be done.

'Hopefully the money will come in and we’ll raise enough to make a big difference. I don’t know, maybe bike riding will become my new thing!’

First, of course, Adlington has the small task of trying to defend her Olympic 400 metres and 800m freestyle titles at a home Games. She wears a ring with the Olympic symbol and also has a tattoo of it on her lower back.

They are constant reminders of her achievements four years ago. She says: ‘All of us swimmers got these rings before Beijing. It’s about what we’re looking forward to but also what we’ve achieved. I wear it every day and never take it off.

‘Whatever happens in London nobody can take away what I did in Beijing. If I come third or fourth or last I would’ve done everything I can so there’s no point stressing about stuff I can’t control.’

Rebecca Adlington is supporting British Gas’ Free Swims for Britain campaign (www.britishgas.co.uk/freeswimming). To sponsor Rebecca go to: http://www.justgiving.com/ZambiaCycle

Dereck Chisora and David Haye fight in jeopardy

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Fresh doubt over Haye-Chisora with Luxembourg Federation suspended

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UPDATED:

23:06 GMT, 3 June 2012

Frank Warren insists ‘the show will go on’ but David Haye and Dereck Chisora could find themselves boxing on an unlicensed promotion at Upton Park on July 14.

The Luxembourg Federation, who have sanctioned the event despite opposition from the British Boxing Board of Control, were suspended by the European Boxing Union at the weekend.

They have also been warned that unless they withdraw from licensing Haye-Chisora, the suspension will become expulsion from the moment the first bell rings.

On track: Dereck Chisora took part in a public workout ahead of the fight

On track: Dereck Chisora took part in a public workout ahead of the fight

That would leave Warren, Chisora’s promoter, either seeking approval from an alternative body or pressing ahead on his BoxNation television channel, regardless.

The British board have refused to sanction the fight, since neither Haye nor Chisora are licensed in this country, and general secretary Robert Smith said: ‘Anyone taking part in an unlicensed promotion — be they boxers, organisers or officials — will be summoned before us. Obviously a ban would be among the punishment options.’

Showdown: Chisora's controversial fight with David remains in jeopardy

Showdown: Chisora's controversial fight with David remains in jeopardy

Warren issued a statement interpreting as a humiliating climbdown this shift from the Board’s original declaration that anyone involved at West Ham’s football ground that evening would be deemed to have surrendered their license.

He is also vowing legal action to defend himself and his associates, the boxers included, from any repercussions.

Smith, who attended the EBU meeting in Belgium, responds: ‘We are simply giving anyone who may be involved their proper right to a hearing — under our regulations.’

Take a bow: Chisora performed to a packed crowd as he looks to get in shape

Take a bow: Chisora performed to a packed crowd as he looks to get in shape

Controversy has been festering since Warren announced that Haye and Chisora — the former world title-fighting heavyweights who were involved in that disgraceful brawl at a press conference in Munich — would be settling their grudge in a ring in East London.

Warren who announced on Sunday that 28,000 tickets have already been sold from a capacity of 42,000, is pressing ahead next month, while indemnifying the participants.

Daniel Agger shows off latest tattoo after Carling Cup win

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Great Dane or glutton for punishment Agger shows off latest tattoo after Carling Cup win

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger revealed his latest tattoo after his side's Carling Cup final win over Cardiff on Sunday.

Already adorned from neck to ankle in body art, Agger has recently added what looks like a giant green necklace to his collection.

Tatt's amazing: Agger (right) reveals a new tattoo around his neck and chest as he celebrates Liverpool's win with Glen Johnson (left) and Martin Skrtel

Tatt's amazing: Agger (right) reveals a new tattoo around his neck and chest as he celebrates Liverpool's win with Glen Johnson (left) and Martin Skrtel

Last year the Danish centre back showed off a huge tattoo which depicts a Viking graveyard in the middle of his back.

He also has a Latin proverb 'Mors Certa, Hora Incerta' across the top of his back, meaning 'Death is certain, its hour is not' and inscriptions on his ankles along the lines of 'Pain is temporary, victory is forever'.

What would Agger do The Liverpool and Denmark defender is partial to a tattoo

What would Agger do The Liverpool and Denmark defender is evidently partial to a tattoo, or two

Who knows what design Agger will go for next, but it looks like he's running out of room!

Rory McIlroy admits he was brain-dead after two-shot penalty in Abu Dhabi

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It's snory Rory! I was brain-dead, he admits after two-shot penalty dents title bid

Rory McIlroy confessed he had been 'brain-dead' and was a 'stupid whatever' after being assessed a two shot penalty for breaking one of golf's basic rules at the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship on Friday.

Luke Donald didn't feel too clever either after being the unfortunate soul who had to point out his elementary mistake.

The incident happened at the par-four 9th hole, with McIlroy just off the green in two. With sand on the line between his ball and the hole, he bent down and brushed away the grains with the back of his hand. Oh dear.

Sand trapped: Rory McIlroy was penalised after Luke Donald called his error

Sand trapped: Rory McIlroy was penalised after Luke Donald called his error

'I'm pretty sure you're not allowed to that, Rory,' said Donald, and he was absolutely correct. It was a clear breach of Rule 13-2, which points out a player is not allowed to move any sand that lies on the line of his shot when he is off the green.

Yes, it's another stupid rule. How can it be ok to move the sand when you're on the green but not when you're just off it How can a two shot penalty be the correct punishment and wouldn't one stroke be fairer

All valid points but stupid or not, Rory knew the rule, as every player should, and just acted unthinkingly.

Abu Dhabi Championship Leaderboard

Click here to view the LIVE leaderboard

2nd rnd (GB & Ire unless stated):

137 — T Olesen (Den) 67.
138 — G Maybin 70, M Manassero (It) 65.
139 — J-B Gonnet (F) 71, R McIlroy 72, T Woods (US) 69, R Karlsson (Swe) 72, R Rock 70, R Finch 71, Paul Lawrie 69.
140 — R Ramsay 71, C Schwartzel (SA) 70, S Garcia (Sp) 69, JM Lara (Sp) 70, P Harrington 69. 141 — F Molinari (It) 67, A Hansen (Den) 70, J Kingston (SA) 69, G McDowell 69, MA Jimenez (Sp) 69, W-C Liang (Chn) 71, J Edfors (Swe) 71.

Others:
143 — L Donald 72.
144 — L Westwood 72.
147 — C Montgomerie 76

'Maybe it was because it was just the second round of the season and I was a little brain-dead,' he said. 'It's amazing how quickly you get out of your normal routine when you have a few weeks off. At the end of the day it was one of those things. Sure, you're calling yourself a stupid whatever and I certainly hit the tee shot at the 10th a lot harder. But I'm only two shots off the lead and we've still got two rounds to play.'

McIlroy was quick to absolve Donald.

'I'm sure he felt a little awkward saying it but he was absolutely right to do so. Everybody has to play by the rules. That's what golf is, a gentleman's game,' he said.

The good news for the many thousands of spectators who enjoyed following McIlroy and his other playing partner Tiger Woods is they got the chance to do so again in the third round.

The two shot penalty meant the pair finished on the same score of five under, and breathing down the neck of the little-known leader, promising Dane, Thorbjorn Oleson.

Eagle eye: McIlroy said playing partner Donald was right to call his mistake

Eagle eye: McIlroy said playing partner Donald was right to call his mistake

On six under are Ulsterman Gareth Maybin and another of Europe's bright young things – 18-year-old Italian Matteo Manassero.

As for the Woods-McIlroy match-up for a third straight day, the latter couldn't hide his delight.

'As everyone knows I grew up idolising Tiger so it's a great thrill to be playing with him again,' he said. 'I enjoy the buzz of the crowd, and the excitement.'

For those who like their days filled with drama and incident, this was a beauty.

We had Padraig Harrington rekindling something of his glory days under the watchful eye of the latest edition to his team, rugby man Dave Alred.

We had another past major champion in Paul Lawrie giving another example that he is currently swinging the club better than at any time in his career.

In contention: Tiger Woods is just two shots behind the leader

In contention: Tiger Woods is just two shots behind the leader

We had lesser lights like Oleson and Ulsterman Maybin relishing the chance to mix it with the big names.

We had Robert Rock and Richard Finch demonstrating that the talent pool from England is ocean-deep.

Perhaps most meaningful of all, we had another exciting demonstration from Woods, who didn't play quite as well as he did on the opening day but holed a few of the type of putts he missed in the first round.

As Donald said: 'On Thursday in particular his control of his golf ball was as good as I have seen it. He was shaping it both ways, so that's a daunting sign for the rest of us.'

Don't rule out Tiger's first victory this weekend on one of the two main tours in two and a half years. What a story that would be to herald the new season.

Your leader: Thorbjorn Olesen heads the field after carding a fine 67

Your leader: Thorbjorn Olesen heads the field after carding a fine 67

'I'm putting together a run of good scores because I have a greater understanding of what my coach Sean Foley wants me to do,' he said. 'I had a chance to win in Dubai last February and didn't get it done but this time I am armed with so much more knowledge of my swing.

'Having said that it is such a bunched leaderboard there are a lot of guys who will think they can win. I know I am going to have to produce over the weekend.'

Also on the comeback trail at three behind is Harrington, who took note of the impact Alred has had on Donald's play over the past 18 months and booked himself an appointment.

'He's certainly a man in demand for it has taken me six months to get this trial week with him, but it has been very worthwhile,' he said. 'What he is doing is helping me take what I am working on at the range on to the course, for that has been a problem for me for the past two years.

Return to form: Padraig Harrington hits his tee-shot on the 12th hole

Return to form: Padraig Harrington hits his tee-shot on the 12th hole

'What he's good at is keeping me on my toes, so that I am not just hitting ball after ball on the range without purpose. He's not inventing the wheel but he might be reinventing it.'

Three-time major winner Harrington fell so far last year he didn't even finish among the top 60 in the order of merit who qualified for the season-ending Dubai World Championship. No wonder he looked so pleased after his second round 69. He addressed waiting reporters: 'Everyone wants to talk to me again and it's great!'

Will he be scrapping with Luke for Alred's attention

'No I'm fully aware that Luke has first call on his services but I'm happy on this occasion to play the role of the mistress,' he said.

How nice that over the last two rounds of this event he was back playing the role of potential champion.

Wayne Rooney rapped by Sir Alex Ferguson over condition after night out

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Rooney rapped as Fergie fumes at striker”s condition after night out with team-mates

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The trio were fined a week”s wages – and removed from contention for the Blackburn game.

Sources close to the situation were at pains to stress that Ferguson”s strict punishment of Rooney will not have a long-term impact on the working relationship between the manager and a player United cannot afford to do without.

On Sunday afternoon, Rooney told his followers on Twitter: “My resolution – to start the year as a champion, and finish it as a champion…”

Unimpressed: United manager Sir Alex Ferguson (centre) has punished Rooney

Unimpressed: United manager Sir Alex Ferguson (centre) has punished Rooney

With that in mind, Rooney is expected to take his place in the injury-hit United team at Newcastle this Wednesday night.

But this incident represents a serious lapse at a time when Rooney is needed to lead a team struggling under the weight of injury, illness and poor form.

When reports of Rooney, Gibson and Evans” night out surfaced, it was suggested that the players had merely been out for dinner with their partners.

Sitting it out: Rooney watched from a corporate box at Old Trafford as his team-mates slipped up against lowly Blackburn Rovers on Saturday

Sitting it out: Rooney watched from a corporate box at Old Trafford as his team-mates slipped up against lowly Blackburn Rovers on Saturday

However, Ferguson would not discipline players just for going out five days before their next game and it emerged that it was the physical condition of the players at training that had so angered the Old Trafford boss.

United hope to welcome back Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs at Newcastle, while defender Chris Smalling has an outside chance of being involved after suffering from a bout of tonsillitis.