Wayne Rooney to sue The Sun for libel over nightclub story

by Sam Matthews, Brand Republic 20-Apr-05, 11:20

LONDON - England striker Wayne Rooney is suing The Sun over stories it published alleging he slapped his fiancee Coleen McLoughlin in a nightclub.

Rooney and McCoughlin have denied the claims and the England star has instructed top media lawyers Schillings to begin legal proceedings against the Rupert Murdoch-owned newspaper.

Schillings, which has acted on behalf of high-profile celebrities including singer Justin Timberlake and actress Nicole Kidman, confirmed it sent a letter to The Sun last night and the writ should be issued later today.

The stories centre around an incident that took place two weeks ago in a nightclub where Rooney and his Manchester United team-mates were out celebrating with girlfriends.

The Sun reported that the pair had an argument that escalated, leading to McLoughlin leaving the club in tears.

Rooney was also accused recently of punching a student in a nightclub, but this story was said to have been fabricated after the student withdrew the allegations.

Rooney and McLoughlin have since been photographed publicly making up and McLoughlin has said that it was just a small row.

Since The Sun ran the story, sponsors Nike and Coca-Cola are reported to be reviewing their links with the England sensation, which could see him losing millions of pounds in endorsement cash.

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