Referees targeting Rooney, claims Moyes

Everton manager David Moyes will take his complaint that teenage striker Wayne Rooney is being targeted by referees to the match…

Everton manager David Moyes will take his complaint that teenage striker Wayne Rooney is being targeted by referees to the match officials' chief, Philip Don.

Moyes was unhappy with 17-year-old England striker Rooney's booking during Everton's 2-2 draw at Charlton Athletic on Tuesday, saying it was not merited.

"I feel at the moment that every time Wayne Rooney plays referees are desperate to get him booked," Moyes said. "I find it quite incredible and I will be making contact with Philip Don to express that feeling to him as we have the means to that now," he told the club's official website.

Managers have been permitted access to Don, the premier league referees' Select Group Manager, over perceived injustices when in the past they were not allowed to air their grievances to the refereeing body. "I didn't feel there was a serious tackle in the game and he was so quick in getting his card out -- it was like it was in his hand before he did it," Moyes said.

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Rooney, who was also booked in his first game of the season against Arsenal, scored a brilliant equaliser against Charlton but was then booked for the 10th time since his debut last season. He has also been sent off once.

Reuters