Rooney accused of aiming V-sign at fans

Wayne Rooney is at the centre of a new storm after he directed obscene gestures towards an England supporter following the 2-0 defeat in Croatia.

The Manchester United striker reacted after angry England fans hurled abuse at the players as they walked to the team bus.

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But a source close to Rooney claimed that he only reacted after an England supporter shouted from a balcony overlooking the team bus: "You f****** fat bastard, why don't you show some pride when you shirt." - and then unzipped his flies and threatened to urinate on Rooney.

England fan Mark Lister, from Doncaster, wrote on the FA website: "I saw Rooney flick the 'v's' at us.

"However, in his defence he came off the coach and was prepared to listen to what some of the England fans said about us following the team around the world and getting nothing back. Rooney's reply was 'you come and play then', which I don't think was said in a negative way."

Rooney denies making obsence gestures but his PR adviser Ian Monk said: "Any gesture that Wayne may have made was directed at one England fan whose behaviour towards them appalled the other England players who saw it and horrified the rest of the England fans.

The FA have confirmed they have complained to UEFA after police baton-charged innocent fans outside the ground.

Ashley Cole, who was injured on Wednesday has fluid around an ankle joint. He will miss Chelsea's visit to Reading on Saturday but should be fit for the Champions League clash against Barcelona on Wednesday.