With the “Eduardo Witch Hunt” setting somewhat spectacular standards (and if this is indeed going to be the standard, why not just introduce Instant Replay and get on with it), the attention that has now turned to Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has put the England International in a situation where he’s felt the need to stand up for himself publicly.

Via BBCSport

Rooney said: “Everyone who watches me play knows I am an honest player.

“I play the game as honestly as I can. If the referee gives a penalty there is nothing you can do.”

Amid the furore that accompanied the two-match ban Eduardo has received for “deceiving the referee” during Arsenal’s victory over Celtic, Rooney’s conduct at Old Trafford was questioned at the weekend.

On initial inspection, it seemed clear Manuel Almunia had put his arms in front of the Manchester United striker before he went tumbling inside the area.

However, TV replays from a certain angle showed Rooney appeared to be heading for the turf before the Arsenal keeper made contact and that the spot-kick perhaps should not have been given.

Rooney, 23, said it was up to the authorities to take further action if they felt it was necessary.

“If they want to take punishment further it is down to Uefa and the people who run the game. As players you just want to play.”

And the England star says diving, technically described as “simulation”, is not a rising trend.

“Diving has been in the game for years. Probably the coverage the game gets now, with all the cameras around, it gets highlighted a bit more. But it hasn’t got any worse.”