Wayne Rooney coin throwing investigation launched by FA after Manchester United striker is targeted in victory over Crystal Palace

The England striker made the referee aware of the coins during the win at Selhurst Park

The Football Association has launched an investigation into the coin-throwing at Wayne Rooney at the weekend with the aim of identifying the culprits.

Rooney was targeted during Manchester United's match at Crystal Palace and drew the referee's attention to missiles being thrown at him.

The FA had a crowd control adviser at the game and is waiting for a report into the incidents. It is also contacting Crystal Place to ask for their observations and speaking to the police in charge of security inside the ground.

Palace are unlikely to be charged unless the investigation decides the club was negligent - the main aim of the probe is to see if any of the people who threw coins or other items at the England striker can be identified from CCTV footage.

Any fan throwing coins faces a potentially lengthy banning order from magistrates.

United defender Rio Ferdinand suffered a cut above the eye after being struck by a coin during a derby match at Manchester City in December 2012.

Police are still looking into Theo Walcott being targeted by missiles during the Arsenal's FA Cup third round victory against Tottenham last month.

PA