9 of Wayne Rooney's Most Colourful Moments After Everton Striker Is Charged With Drink-Driving

Everton striker Wayne Rooney has been charged with drink-driving, the latest incident of interest  in his long and storied career in football.

Whether it be indecency allegations, needless red cards or having a pop at his own supporters, England's all-time leading goalscorer is certainly a character football may not reproduce for some time.

But what are the more colourful moments in Rooney's up-and-down 15 years or so in football? Here are our top picks...

1. Knocked Out by Sunderland's Phil Bardsley

Rooney is known to be a boxing fan but he plunged himself into hot water back in 2015 after footage emerged of the Everton striker sparring with then-Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley.

And while it probably would have been fine if the pair's scuffle fizzled out rather quickly, Rooney was heavily criticised after getting decked by former Scotland international Bardsley.

Boxing shouldn't be too high on the agenda after Rooney calls time on his playing career.

2. Crashes a Wedding at a Hotel

More sad than funny but still relevant enough to be placed on this list, a boozed-up Rooney was seen a little worse for wear at a wedding reception last year.

Rooney reportedly started bashing on a piano after a few drinks with his England teammates following the 3-0 win over Scotland last November.

By no means was it the scandal that it was being talked up to be, instead it was just another chapter in Rooney's colourful career.

3. Threatening Himself on Twitter

Poor Wayne got a little confused here, tweeting a threat to himself after being called out by a social media user.

The ex-England international's Twitter account is an absolute goldmine for hilarious posts, with Rooney previously taking aim at the likes of Piers Morgan, Didier Drogba and Phil Neville.

Rumour has it that Rooney is still waiting for the person responsible for threatening him in the first place.

4. Sent Off for a Stamp at the 2006 World Cup Against Portugal

It wasn't funny at the time, but looking back on it now it's far to say the stamp on Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho at the 2006 World Cup was probably Rooney's high point at a tournament with England. 

After a tangle with the defender, Rooney landed his left boot into the nether regions of Carvalho, resulting in the striker being sent off.

England fans cried themselves to sleep later that day as the Three Lions bowed out of the tournament with a penalty shootout defeat.

5. Allegations of Infidelity Surface

When his wife was five months pregnant in 2010, allegations surfaced claiming Rooney had paid two television personalities for a threesome.

Again, perhaps it's not the biggest laugh-out-loud moment in Rooney's career, but it's certainly worth a chuckle in that it's a shady act that the 31-year-old does not need to be involved with.

His solicitors unsuccessfully tried to fight the allegations, while Rooney has also previously admitted to seeing prostitutes as a teenager.

6. Claims He Wants to Leave Manchester United Before Signing a New Contract

It was a story that rocked the whole of English football to the core back in 2010, with Rooney declaring in October that he wanted to leave the Red Devils.

However, just two days later Rooney changed his mind, claiming he realised how big the club really is, later signing a new five-year deal.

Rooney cited Sir Alex Ferguson and members of the Glazer family as key figures in his decision to stay, but all the ensuing drama that followed was unforeseen by Rooney.

7. Bashing England Fans After 0-0 Algeria World Cup Draw

The 2010 World Cup was a hugely underwhelming event for England, who entered the competition as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

However, they looked far from the side that swept away teams in the qualifying stages, drawing their first match against the USA and following that result up with a dire goalless encounter with Algeria.

An evidently cranky Rooney then slagged off his side's own supporters, who were rightly frustrated after 90 minutes of horrible football.

8. Getting Sued by Former Everton Manager David Moyes

Why Rooney elected to have a pop at David Moyes in an early autobiography is still something of a mystery. 

Rooney accused Moyes of leaking his reasons for leaving Everton to the press and had to pay the Scot £500,000 after being found guilty of libel.

Rooney later apologised for "false claims" made in the book, with the pair later going on to work together again at Manchester United.

9. Sent Off After Sarcastically Applauding Referee

Having just picked up a caution for a late tackle, Rooney decided his best course of action would be to sarcastically applaud the referee's decision during a Champions League tie against Villarreal in 2005.

Kim Milton Nielsen didn't see the funny side, instead taking a no nonsense approach and dismissing Rooney with a second yellow card.

Rooney has received a few red cards throughout the course of his career but this one probably ranks at the very top for comedic value.