Wayne Rooney revealed that Sol Campbell refused to talk to him for more than six months — smacking him in his English duties — the Arsenal star believed that Manchester United legend had dived for a controversial penalty.
In October 2004, the Red Devils ended their unbeaten streak of the Gunners Marathon, which reached 49 games. The 2-0 victory at Old Trafford left a bitter aftertaste on Arsenal, especially those associated with Campbell, who admitted the opener’s penalty.
It was immediately clear that Campbell was shocked by the referee’s call and believed that Rooney had gone theatrical to get his side. When the duo ended up putting the difference aside during international service, the centre-back refused to comply.
The Arsenal defender was not involved with Rooney as the hostility continued for months. The former United striker claimed there was contact and he did not simulate a foul.
He told Wayne Rooney’s show, “It was a big game for Arsenal. If they won it, it was unbeaten for them. We beat them 2-0, Campbell didn’t talk to me for over six months (during international obligations), Sol didn’t talk to me. I think we stepped in and there was a small contact.”
Campbell never forgot about this incident. Also, even when he praised Rooney’s exceptional career in 2017, he praised his full career 13 years after the event. “What a career Wayne Rooney. Great servant of England. There was only one dive that bothered me against Man UTD’s 49th match,” he said.
Another Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, has been criticizing Rooney for years for diving, which allegedly put an end to his team’s historic winning streak. He rejected any proposals other than United icons who are tricking the judges.
He states: “I think they were excellent that day, but it was still 0-0 and we were 0-0. But Rooney dived.
Campbell continued to play for England for three more years after a clash with Rooney, eventually hanging out his boots in 2007. Neither Arsenal nor United won the title in a year when their invincible streak broke.
