Plymouth Manager Wayne Rooney Handed Match Suspension

Plymouth Argyle manager, Wayne Rooney, has been given a one-match ban for misconduct in their 2-1 home victory over Blackburn Rovers in a Championship (second-tier) match earlier this month, the Football Association said on Friday.

Rooney faced charges due to his conduct during a dramatic victory against Blackburn, where he was red-carded for reportedly insulting the fourth official and subsequently re-entering the pitch after being dismissed.

Plymouth was leading 1-0 when Blackburn scored an equalizer in the 86th minute, which Rooney and his players felt should not have stood, with the former Manchester United and England forward seen fuming at the fourth official.

Referee James Linington issued Rooney a red card, prompting him to walk down the tunnel at Home Park.

However, he later returned to the pitch to celebrate a last-minute winner scored by Morgan Whitaker in the 97th minute.

“Wayne Rooney has been given a one-match touchline ban and 5,500 pounds ($7,180.25) fine for misconduct at Plymouth Argyle’s EFL Championship match against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday 5 October,” the FA said in a statement.

“It was alleged that the manager’s conduct around the 87th minute was improper and/or he used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official, which led to his dismissal.

“It was further alleged that following his dismissal his conduct was improper and/or violent. It was also alleged that by returning to the field of play after being dismissed his behaviour was improper.”

Rooney was appointed Plymouth manager in May. They are 14th in the standings before visiting Cardiff City on Saturday.