Everton striker Wayne Rooney bloodied by 'elbow' during Bournemouth win

Posted Sunday, September 24, 2017 by Skysports.com

Everton striker Wayne Rooney bloodied by 'elbow' during Bournemouth win
Should Simon Francis have been punished for an elbow on Wayne Rooney?

Wayne Rooney was left bloodied after being caught by Simon Francis' stray arm, but should the Bournemouth defender have seen red?

Oumar Niasse came off the bench to score his first two league goals for Everton to turn around a game which was heading for defeat after Josh King scored Bournemouth's opener just after half-time.

However, the main talking point before Niasse's brilliant cameo was Francis' aerial challenge on Wayne Rooney, leaving the former England captain with a bloodied left eye after being caught with an arm in the penalty area.

Rooney, who was replaced shortly after half-time, was left furious by the incident. He gestured to the referee with his elbow before requiring two separate bouts of treatment, including a change of shirt and shorts.

Everton striker Wayne Rooney bloodied by 'elbow' during Bournemouth win
Francis (R) checks if Wayne Rooney of Everton is okay

"It is his arm. It is not really with intention but yes it is above his eye and it is totally open [the wound]," added Koeman.

"The doctor said to me at half-time if it happened again we would need to change him; I changed him because we needed something different."

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe was adamant there was no malice in the challenge.

Everton striker Wayne Rooney bloodied by 'elbow' during Bournemouth win
Rooney gestures with his elbow to the fourth official

"I've only seen it live but Simon had his eyes on the ball and when you jump that high you need leverage and his arms are high," he said.

"He's caught Wayne but there is absolutely no intent to injure the player, I can say that for certain."

Should Simon Francis have been shown a red card after catching Wayne Rooney with a stray arm during Everton's 2-1 win over Bournemouth? Watch the video at the top of the page to see the incident!