Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been criticised after he allegedly blamed Wayne Rooney's behaviour on him being from Liverpool. He is reported to have said Rooney - who has been in trouble over his disciplinary problems - had "a chip on his shoulder" because he is a Scouser.
Liverpool City Council leader Mike Storey said the comment was "disappointing" and "nonsense".
Manchester United was unavailable for comment on Tuesday.
The boring gameLiverpool legend Ian Rush has admitted that today's game is becoming boring due to the top teams preferring to concentrate on keeping clean sheets rather than scoring...
Sir Alex was reported, in Tuesday's Daily Mirror, to have told a supporters' club meeting: "Rooney is from Liverpool and everyone from that city has a chip on their shoulder, so if an injustice is done to him on the pitch, of course he is going to react."
The 19-year-old Man Utd and England star was named Fifa World Young Player of the Year on Monday.
But he was criticised for being sent off after sarcastically applauding a referee's decision during a Champions League game versus Villarreal, in Spain, last week.
His behaviour during England's World Cup qualifying match in Northern Ireland - when he abused captain David Beckham - also sparked controversy.
But Mr Storey said Sir Alex's comments were unnecessary.
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