Rooney slams Gravenberch: 'Naive and stupid' after red card

Wayne Rooney has hit out at Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch following the Reds’ 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at Anfield, labelling the Dutchman’s red card 'naive and stupid' ^[1]. The sending off came in the 62nd minute after Gravenberch picked up a second yellow for a foul on Jeremy Doku, having already been booked for a challenge on Elliot Anderson earlier in the half. Rooney, watching replays on Match of the Day, said the first booking was 'harsh', arguing that Anderson's poor touch and Gravenberch’s clean tackle on the foot did not warrant a card. However, he stressed that after receiving a yellow, Gravenberch left himself open to a second, calling the decision to commit the foul 'stupid'.

The red card proved pivotal. Three minutes after Gravenberch’s exit, Erling Haaland opened the scoring, followed by a stunning Doku goal and a solo effort from Rayan Cherki, sealing City’s 100% start to the season ^[1]. Rooney praised Doku’s impact, highlighting his sharpness and understanding with Nico O’Reilly, calling his finish 'wonderful'.

Despite the controversy, Liverpool remain confident Gravenberch will be available for their upcoming Champions League clash with LASK, as his suspension only applies to domestic matches ^[2]. The Reds secured a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in their previous European outing, with Andoni Iraola earning his first victory in the competition.

Meanwhile, contract talks for England winger Rio Ngumoha continue, with Liverpool reportedly finalising minor details ahead of a new deal that will extend beyond his 18th birthday ^[2]. Reports linking Arsenal and Bayern Munich with interest in the teenager have emerged, but it has not been confirmed whether Liverpool are confident no club will disrupt the talks.

City now prepare for a high-stakes Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, while Liverpool turn their attention to Austria ^[1][2]. The story was first reported by Metro and Mirror.