Wayne Rooney missed his penalty kick as Manchester United crashed out of the League Cup to second-tier Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on Wednesday, but United’s skipper and talisman may have a good reason for missing his PK.
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On Thursday the English FA confirmed they have launched an investigation into a laser being pointed in Rooney’s face as he stepped up to take the spot kick as United drew 0-0 with Boro after extra time but lost 3-1 on penalty kicks with Rooney, Michael Carrick and Ashley Young all failing to convert from the spot.
It is believed the laser came from the away end, the same end of the pitch where the penalty shootout was conducted, as over 7,000 Middlesbrough fans descended on Old Trafford to cheer on their side to a memorable victory which set up a League Cup quarterfinal clash at the Riverside against Everton.
The FA has confirmed they are looking into the incident as TV footage shows a green laser being pointed in Rooney’s face before he steps up to take the spot kick.
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In the past we have had several incidents like this, especially in Spain, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been targeted with laser pens. Not only could this put the players off but it can also damage their eyesight considerably. The big problem here is, how do you search over 75,000 getting into a stadium for a presumably pocket-sized laser pen?
Also, it is unclear what the FA investigation may lead to apart from obviously banning whoever is found guilty of shining the laser in Rooney’s face and placing more restrictions on items allowed inside soccer stadiums in England. A photo of the incident can be seen below.
