England manager Fabio Capello has branded hot-headed striker Wayne Rooney "a crazy man" after his antics at Craven Cottage last weekend.

The 23-year-old was one of two Manchester United players to see red in the 2-0 defeat by Fulham last Saturday - receiving two yellow cards after midfielder Paul Scholes had been sent off earlier for a deliberate handball.

Rooney received his marching orders from referee Phil Dowd for hurling the ball back at the official when he demanded that it be re-taken from the correct spot.

After remonstrating with Dowd, Rooney stalked off in a rage and punched a corner flag on his way to the dressing room, which prompted cheers from the home crowd and led to speculation that he could face a further rap from the FA.

However, despite being spared a personal hearing - and receiving a standard one-match domestic ban for his two yellows - renowned disciplinarian Capello gave Rooney a dressing down as the squad met up ahead of this weekend's friendly against Slovakia at Wembley.

"What were you doing punching the corner flag?" the Italian queried in front of the rest of the squad.

"You're a crazy man, a crazy man."

Capello also reminded the rest of the squad of their responsibilities in the public eye after a spate of recent off-field problems for England internationals.

Ashley Cole was recently held in a police cell after abusing officers while on a night out in London, while Steven Gerrard has been in court after being charged with assault and affray relating to a recent nightclub incident.

The charge of assault was later dropped, although he still faces a trial over the second charge.

- .inthenews.co.uk