UK Edition
Police report claims Wayne Rooney spoke in 'broken English' at time of December arrest
The police incident report of Wayne Rooney's arrest last month for public swearing and intoxication describes the former England captain as speaking in "broken English".
The former Manchester United forward, who now plays for MLS side DC United, was apprehended by Washington Airport Authority police officers on December 16th in Loudoun County, Virginia. He was released without bail and paid the small fine on January 4th, according to legal documents, for the minor offence known in the US as a class 4 misdemeanor.
Sports news website Deadspin published details of the incident report on Tuesday, which reveal that Rooney was approached by the arresting officer after trying to gain access through a secure door at a Washington DC airport.
"I approached the individual and asked what happened,” the report reads, “and in his broken English he stated he went through the door … because he thought it was a lift. The subject provided a United Kingdom passport and the individual was identified as Wayne Mark Rooney."
"Mr Rooney had a strong odor of alcoholic beverage about his person, slurred speech, and was unsteady on his feet."
After reports of Rooney's arrest, his spokesman confirmed the footballer was apprehended after a lengthy flight from Saudi Arabia where he was on a one-day business trip.
"During the flight Wayne took a prescribed amount of sleeping tablets mixed with some alcohol consumption and consequently was disorientated on arrival. He was approached by police who arrested him on a minor misdemeanour charge," the spokesman said.
"He received a statutory automatic fine and was released shortly afterwards at the airport. The matter is now at an end.
"Wayne would like to put on record his appreciation for the manner he was treated by all involved."