Wayne Rooney: Greater Manchester Police criticised for declaring misfiring striker a 'missing person' in Tweet

Rooney has scored only two Premier League goals this season

James Orr
Monday 02 November 2015 09:13 GMT
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Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney in action against Crystal Palace
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney in action against Crystal Palace (Getty Images)

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Greater Manchester Police have come under criticism for sending an ill-advertised tweet in which they jokingly declare Wayne Rooney as a missing person, after the striker endured yet another anonymous performance for Manchester United in their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.

The tweet has since been deleted.

The official police account said Rooney, who has scored only two Premier League goals this season, was "last seen in the Trafford area wearing a red shirt", before asking fans to "inform colleagues" of any sightings.

It was not the only social media blunder made by the police this weekend, however.

Earlier on Sunday, Merseyside Police were forced to apologise after sparking outrage by making a joke about rape.

The police force came under fire after responding to a tweet sent to its official Twitter account following Everton's 6-2 victory over Sunderland.

A Twitter user wrote: "Hello. I'd like to report an incident of rape that occurred at Goodison Park, Liverpool, on November 1st at 3:00."

In response, Merseyside Police wrote: "Just to confirm there was no actual rape for me? Sunderland certainly got caught with their pants down though."

The tweet has been deleted and their apology read: "We would like to apologise for any offence caused by inappropriate tweets from the force account this afternoon," it said.

"They do not reflect the strenuous efforts made by Merseyside Police to investigate serious sexual crimes and protect victims.

A full investigation has been launched into the "inappropriate use" of the official police Twitter account.

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