Wayne Rooney could be in trouble with the English Football Association (FA) after viewers heard the Manchester United striker swearing directly into a television camera following the completion of his hat-trick in his side's 4-2 win against West Ham at Upton Park.
The game was shown in the UAE by Abu Dhabi Sports.
In a statement released by the club, Rooney said: "I want to apologise for any offence that may have been caused by my goal celebration, especially any parents or children that were watching.
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"Emotions were running high and, on reflection, my heat-of-the-moment reaction was inappropriate."
The FA confirmed they would examine footage.
It is understood that taking action over a player swearing into a camera may be unprecedented, but the FA's rules have a provision for anyone using "abusive, indecent or insulting words".
