30/03/2005

Rooney assault claims dropped

The man who accused footballer Wayne Rooney of assault has dropped his claim, it has been reported.

Patrick Hanrahan, a 22-year-old student from Eaglescliffe, Middlesborough, accused the England and Manchester United striker of attacking him in the Tiger Tiger nightclub in Manchester.

Mr Hanrahan allegedly taunted Mr Rooney by shouting "once a blue, always a blue" – a reference to the star's £28 million move from Everton to Premiership rivals Manchester United at the beginning of the current football season. He then gave an interview to 'The Sun' newspaper about the alleged incident, before filing a formal complaint with Greater Manchester Police.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that Mr Hanrahan had retracted his allegation and said that they would not be pursuing the matter further.

Mr Rooney had denied Mr Hanrahan's allegations.

(KMcA/SP)

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