Sunderland boss Steve Bruce feels the two-match ban imposed on Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is a shame.
The Red Devils star will miss tomorrow's Premier League meeting with Fulham before sitting on the sidelines as United take on crosstown rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley next weekend after being found guilty of abusive and obscene language directed at a TV camera.
Bruce says that it is a crying shame that Rooney won't be out there for that vital fixture just for saying a few swear words.
"We all know that there are certain areas where you can't go. It's a shame because Wayne Rooney is playing at the top of his game at the moment," said Bruce.
"I have done things this season where you cringe when you see yourself on the TV celebrate a goal or do something stupid.
"Sometimes you get caught up in the heat of the moment and it passes you by and you do things at the time which you regret afterwards.
"It's unfortunate because it's taken away from the kid playing so well just at the right time.
"He is playing fantastically well and he will be a big miss for the big semi-final."
