OK we’ll get “he’s not very bright”, “he’s just a thick footballer”, “why would you expect any better”!

But why did Rooney do it?

I was watching the West Ham/Man Utd game live on telly as it happened and from an apparently rudderless Rovers point of view, wasn’t too happy that the Hammers were two up!

Then Rooney’s was magnificent a game changing performance.

Then he was effing and jeffing loudly right in my face! What is it about?

Before anyone starts, I have played many sports over the years and am not entirely squeaky clean when it comes to the odd curse.

But I am not a highly talented, wonderfully paid international sportsman, at the height of my game, a global icon and role model to millions of highly influenced young people.

We’ve seen Georgie Best and Gazza’s demises, I’ve read Marcus Trescothick’s fascinating and insightful book and seen what happened to fellow cricketer Michael Yardy recently.

Again, I’m not condemning these guys, I’ve not been in their shoes.

Should they receive better help, guidance, support?

Or is there just no excuse for it?