Wayne Rooney has disclosed that Sol Campbell refused to speak to him for over six months – blanking him on England duty – as the Arsenal star believed the Manchester United legend dived for a controversial penalty.
In October 2004 the Red Devils brought an end to the Gunners’ marathon unbeaten streak, which had reached 49 matches. A 2-0 victory at Old Trafford left a bitter aftertaste for those connected with Arsenal, particularly Campbell, who conceded the penalty for the opener.
It was instantly clear that Campbell was shocked by the referee’s call and believed Rooney had gone down theatrically to earn his side the spot kick. When the duo were supposed to set aside their differences during international service, the centre-back refused to comply.
The Arsenal defender wouldn’t engage with Rooney as the animosity continued for months, creating awkward moments of silence when both were representing the Three Lions. The former United striker maintains there was contact and he didn’t simulate the foul.
He revealed on The Wayne Rooney Show: “It was a big game for Arsenal. If they had won it, it was 50 games unbeaten for them. We beat them 2-0 and Campbell did not speak to me for over six months. We met up [during international duty] and Sol won’t speak to me. Sometimes, I was with Sol and I’d say to him: ‘Come on man, we are playing for England here’. But he wouldn’t speak to me because he felt I dived. He left his leg out and I think there was a small contact.”
Campbell has never forgotten the incident, and even when he praised Rooney’s exceptional career in 2017 – a full 13 years after the event – he still accused him of diving. “What a career Wayne Rooney. A fantastic servant for England. Only one dive that annoyed me against Man Utd 49th game,” he said.
Thierry Henry, another Arsenal legend, has also criticised Rooney over the years for his alleged dive, which brought an end to his team’s historic streak. He dismissed any suggestion other than the United icon tricking the referee.
He stated: “I think they were superior on the day, but it was still 0-0 and we would take a 0-0. But Rooney dived. I don’t care however people say whatever, he did dive and that’s how they got the penalty. When you see the replay you clearly see Sol Campbell doesn’t extend his leg, he pulls it back, and Rooney was clever to get that penalty.”
Campbell continued to play for England for another three years following his clash with Rooney before finally hanging up his boots in 2007. Neither Arsenal nor United would clinch the title the year the Invincible’s streak was broken, with Chelsea taking the crown and the Gunners securing second place.