ENGLAND and Manchester United footballer Wayne Rooney was banned from coaching youngsters at a schools match because he was not considered a "good role model".

The '27 million Reds star was booked to appear at the semi-final of an English Schools' Football Association contest by sponsors Coca Cola.

But football chiefs axed him after the recent row over Rooney's tirade of expletives during a crucial Premiership clash and various allegations over his private life.

ESFA chief executive John Read told the Daily Mirror: "There is no question that Wayne is an excellent footballer.

Appearance

"But when the proposal came to ESFA and the head office at Coke we decided not to take up the appearance.

"We felt under the circumstances, over what was being reported, that we could find a better role model."

The ESFA added no replacement had been lined up yet for next Monday's under-13s tournament at Middlesbrough's Riverside stadium.

In February, Rooney was caught on camera shouting the F-word at referee Graham Poll 20 times during Manchester United's game against Arsenal at Highbury.

Asked about the ESFA decision, Rooney's spokesman Ian Monk said: "We have no comment to make at all."

What do you think of Rooney as a role model? Have your say.