• Premier League

Mancini saddened Rooney will miss FA Cup derby

ESPN staff
April 7, 2011
Roberto Mancini insists he is disappointed Wayne Rooney will not be able to play in the all-Manchester FA Cup semi-final © Getty Images
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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has expressed his disappointment that Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will be unavailable for the two clubs' FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Rooney found out on Thursday that his two-match ban after swearing in the direction of a television camera during the 4-2 victory over West Ham had been upheld, meaning he will be unavailable for the Premier League game against Fulham on Saturday and the subsequent derby meeting in London on April 16.

Mancini maintains it is a shame that the striker will be unable to play, believing it is always better for both sides to have their best players available for such matches. However, he steered clear of making any comments about the FA's decision.

"We are disappointed for this. Because I think that when you play a game like this it is important the best players play," Mancini said. "I don't know [whether he should have been banned]. I think that I told you last week that the manager and the players have a lot of respect for the FA about this."

Mancini also responded to comments from Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton, who was dismissive of the ability of the City midfielder Gareth Barry in a recent interview. Mancini chose not to get into a war of words, but defended the worth of his player.

"I don't know [about Barton's view]," Mancini said, laughing. "I think that Joey Barton is a very good player, but Gareth Barry is a fantastic player. I can't really saw much more than this."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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