Rooney Strikes Late, Sinks Milan

Wayne Rooney getting 2-match ban for sweary goal celebration

(NEWSER) - British soccer ace Wayne Rooney is facing a two-game ban for cursing heard 'round the world. The Manchester United striker swore directly at a TV camera after completing a hat-trick against West Ham over the weekend and is now expected to miss the upcoming FA Cup clash with arch-rivals Manchester City, CNN reports. Soccer authorities have charged him with using offensive language. Since the outburst was broadcast live to 150 countries, Rooney's not expected to appeal. More»

Brazilian beats out star players from Portugal and Argentina

(NEWSER) - Brazilian soccer sensation Kaka is FIFA's World Player of the Year, the eighth time since 1991 a Brazilian player has claimed the honor. The 25-year-old midfielder led AC Milan to the title in the Champions league this year with 10 goals, the BBC reports. "It's really special for me—it was a dream for me just to play for Sao Paulo and one game for Brazil," he said. More»

(NEWSER) - In Rome, a squad of determined Italian riot police prevailed over 11 Manchester United fans, sending them to the hospital. Over 5,000 Man U supporters crowded the stands at Rome's Stadio Olimpico; their team fell to Roma, 2-1, as they themselves lost by a greater margin to the disciplined onslaught of club- and shield-wielding police. More»

They want to be prepared for Wayne Rooney

(NEWSER) - The referees for Saturday’s US/England World Cup match have specifically brushed up on English profanity in an effort to crack down on foul language. In a move sure to terrify Wayne Rooney, Brazilian referee Carlos Eugenio Simon has had his team memorize 20 curse words. “We can’t do this in 11 different languages, but at least we have to know the swear words in English,” one assistant tells the Times . More»

UK superstar ruptures Achilles tendon while playing for AC Milan

(NEWSER) - David Beckham ruptured his left Achilles tendon in an AC Milan match last night, derailing his dream of becoming the first soccer player to compete in four World Cups. The UK superstar, who also plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy, will undergo surgery in Finland this week. Beckham, 34, was reduced to tears, telling his teammates "It's broken, it's broken" before he left the pitch on a stretcher, Sky Sports reports. More»