Wayne Rooney apologises for foul-mouthed rant and calls for country's support

Screen shot: Furious Rooney rants at the camera

Wayne Rooney has apologised for his foul-mouthed outburst at England fans following the dismal 0-0 draw against Algeria in Cape Town on Friday night.

Furious supporters rounded on England's players with a chorus of boos after the result that leaves qualification from World Cup Group C hanging by a thread.  As Rooney left the pitch he turned to a television camera and said: 'Nice to see your own fans booing you.'

The out-of-form England and Manchester United striker added 'if that's what loyal support is' before swearing in a rant heard by millions of viewers back home.

Yesterday he admitted that his remarks had been over the top and said in a statement released by the Football Association: 'For my part, I apologise for any offence caused by my actions at the end of the game.

'I am as passionate about the England team as anyone. On reflection, I said things in the heat of the moment that came out of frustration over our performance and the result.