Wayne Rooney red card: Manchester United captain sent-off for brainless kick at West Ham midfielder Stewart Downing

Rooney was shown a straight red card by referee Lee Mason

Wayne Rooney is sent-off by Lee Mason (Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney was shown his first red card since taking the Manchester United captaincy after he was sent-off for a reckless kick at West Ham’s Stewart Downing during their Premier League match.

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A day before the tenth anniversary of his United debut, Rooney was all smiles as he opened the scoring for United, who were looking to rebound from their collapse in last weekend’s 5-3 defeat to Leicester.

United appeared to be on their way to victory when Robin van Persie doubles the advantage, although the Hammers found a way back into the match through Diafra Sakho’s two-yard effort before the break.

But in what can only be described as a moment of brainless stupidity, Rooney kicked out at Downing as the midfielder ran past the United and England captain, and referee Lee Mason showed no hesitation in sending off the 28-year-old.

Wayne Rooney kicks out at Stewart Downing (Twitter)

It’s the first red card shown to Rooney since his shameful dismissal for England against Montenegro in October 2011, which was also for kicking out at Miodrag Dzudovic, and he was last sent-off in the Premier League in March 2009 against Fulham.

With Rooney picking up a three-game ban for serious foul play, he will miss the upcoming matches against Everton, West Bromwich Albion and most importantly the visit of Chelsea to Old Trafford.