Fergie launches attack on police chief over Rooney comment

Sir Alex Ferguson today hit back at a senior West Midlands Police officer for saying Wayne Rooney would have been arrested had his "ridiculous aggression" on pitch been played out in Wolverhampton.

The Manchester United boss launched an attack on Supt Mark Payne, who had accused Rooney of giving youngsters the idea loutish behaviour would be tolerated.

Supt Payne, second in command at Wolverhampton police, wrote on his blog: "If Rooney had behaved like that in Wolverhampton on Saturday night, I would have expected my officers to lock him up.

"People in positions of influence have an obligation to behave like human beings."

But Ferguson told media who had gathered for today's pre-match press conference in Manchester: "Everyone has an opinion today. There is an issue in the modern world of a need to be noticed.

"Have you ever seen Wolverhampton on a Saturday night? Do police ever arrest anyone for swearing on a Saturday night? Dearie me. That is a good one."

The 25-year-old United and England striker must serve a two-match ban for his four-letter outburst to TV cameras on Saturday.

It prompted Supt Payne to write: "I have seen a thousand Rooneys, and I am sure most police officers will have. The same aggressive stance, the bulging eyes, the foul-mouthed rant, fists clenched, surrounded by his mates, all cheering him on."

He said Rooney had offered an apology but added: "What he won't be able to do is alter the impression that he has left in the eyes of the watching youngsters.

"It is OK to insult and abuse, it is OK to react with ridiculous aggression to perceived slights or provocation, it is excusable because it is the heat of the moment."

Wolverhampton Mayor Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett today defended the city's police against Sir Alex's attack saying it was "over the top."