Wayne Rooney responds emphatically to 'provocative' Leicester City claim

Wayne Rooney has responded emphatically to claims Leicester City's celebrations during Birmingham City's 3-2 loss were 'provocative' and 'disrespectful' – but not in the manner most would expect. The Blues boss, who was in decent spirits in the post-match press conference despite defeat, believes players shouldn't hold back.

It was multiple lapses of concentration and the mercilessness of Leicester on the counter-attack that cost Birmingham, who were otherwise fairly impressive. Rooney boldly set up to press the Foxes high up the pitch and it had positive effects in attack, but the transition was often brutal.

Leicester, who usually prefer to steer away from a counter-attacking style, took advantage of space as they scored two of their three goals from wide. The celebrations for Kieran Dewsbury-Hall's goal were rather savage as several Foxes players jumped up on the advertising board in front of the Lower Tilton, teasing by holding their arms aloft.

Rooney didn't take any notice of the behaviour of the Leicester men at the time but found out post-match and gave a very honest reaction. "There's emotion in the game, isn't there? Players celebrate. I mean, I got a phone thrown at my head at Anfield! Players have their reasons why they do things," Rooney exclaimed.

"Of course, you want them to be respectful, that’s what you hope for. But I’m sure at some point I’m going to have one of my players doing something similar to the away fans. It’s part of the game. It’s good that players can actually celebrate.

"I was listening to the Chelsea game on the way home in the car the other day and a goal went in but nobody celebrated because they were waiting for VAR to check it. I think it’s good that players can look across and see they’re onside to celebrate the goals," Rooney continued.