Aston Villa beat Manchester City yesterday but there was a moment in the second half that did not please the England legend Rooney
Bernardo Silva of Manchester City leaves the pitch to a guard of honour by both teams during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
Bernardo Silva of Manchester City leaves the pitch to a guard of honour by both teams during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
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Wayne Rooney hit out at the timing of the guard of honour for Bernardo Silva and John Stones at Manchester City and says he would have been "fuming" if he were an Aston Villa player.
City opted to give the pair a send-off during the game yesterday as both sets of players applauded the duo for their service to the club in what has been a trophy-laden era.
Guards of honour are usually reserved for after or at the start of the game, but City were keen to give both players their flowers during the second half after such glittering service.
But speaking on Match of the Day, Rooney was less than impressed with the gesture in Villa's 2-1 win given it was in the middle of a top-flight fixture.
"It's incredible," Rooney told BBC Match of the Day.
"I've seen a few things this season, and it just makes me sad that some of these things are happening in football.
"Bernardo Silva and John Stones have been incredible for Manchester City and they deserve it, but do it after the game. If I was in that Aston Villa team, I'd be fuming."
Alan Shearer agreed with Rooney and added: "I was surprised that Villa agreed to doing it, particularly with so long left.
"I mean, with half an hour, just over half an hour to go with one of the substitutions, so yeah, I'm in Wayne's camp. I'm not a great fan of that while the game is going on."
The match was also Pep Guardiola's last game in charge after a 10-year tenure which has seen them lift Premier League titles and the Champions League.
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But Villa spoiled the party as two goals from Ollie Watkins sealed the win for Unai Emery's side.
Speaking after the final whistle, Guardiola admitted he was "tired" and struggled to hide his emotions in what was a tearful farewell.
Guardiola said the reaction of the players to Silva and Stones' departure was particularly emotional for him and admitted it highlighted the deep bond within the squad.
What did you make of the in-game guard of honour? Have your say HERE.
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