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UEFA investigate Rooney's rash challenge

  • Story Highlights
  • UEFA to investigate Wayne Rooney tackle on Kasper Risgard in Champions League
  • Rooney appeared to stamp on Risgard during 2-2 draw at Old Trafford
  • England striker may be banned from last 16 knockout stage
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(CNN) -- Wayne Rooney faces being banned from the early knockout stages of the Champions League after being accused of a dangerous tackle in Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Aalborg on Wednesday night.

Rooney protests his innocence to referee Duhamel after his challenge on Risgard.

Rooney, who scored United's equalizer at Old Trafford, tangled with Kasper Risgard, the Danish midfielder claiming the England striker was "jumping on my chest."

Risgard said the challenge left "big marks" on his body, but it went unpunished by French referee Laurent Duhamel.

Risgard also claimed Rooney apologized to him after the game which secured United's top spot in the group.

A UEFA spokesperson said: "We are aware of the incident and the disciplinary panel will study the footage and newspaper reports before deciding whether to take action."

Any retrospective action on a violent conduct charge could see Rooney sidelined for one or both legs of United's last 16 clash in February as they defend the Champions League crown.

Risgard certainly felt Rooney, who had made an earlier rash challenge, should have been shown a red card.

"I do not think the referee saw it. Anywhere else but this place it would have been a red card," he added.

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"These challenges happen in football -- I have some big marks -- but I do think it looks good on television."

United coach Alex Ferguson said he did not see the incident while his Aalborg counterpart Allan Kuhn was reticent to condemn Rooney.

"I am not 100 per cent sure. I thought he looked a little bit frustrated, but I have not seen the pictures.

"As I see it, that's not good for a fantastic footballer like him. You have to keep your head calm in a situation like that, especially a world-class player like him.

"But stupid things happen in football. I'm not worried about that at all."

Rooney's clinical 52nd minute strike saved United from the humiliation of losing to Danish opponents who battled back to take a shock 2-1 lead after Carlos Tevez put the home side ahead early on.

Copyright 2008 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.

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