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Former Everton star Wayne Rooney's current club say his arrest and fine for public intoxication and swearing are a "private matter."

The Croxteth forward, who now plays for DC United, was held by airport police in Loudoun County, Virginia in December.

He accepted a fine and paid costs for the misdemeanour offence, avoiding a court appearance which would have taken place in January.

This evening a spokesman for DC United said: "We are aware of news reports indicating that Wayne Rooney was arrested in December.

(Image: AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

"We understand the media's interest in this matter but believe this is a private matter for Wayne that D.C. United will handle internally.

"We have no further comment”.

Rooney, who joined DC United after spending last season back at Goodison, has scored MLS goals for his new club.

A spokesman for Loudoun County Sheriff's Office said: "He was booked into the Loudoun County Adult Detention Centre on December 16, 2018, on a charge of public intoxication stemming from an arrest by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police (MWAA).

"He was later released on a personal recognizance bond."

Dulles International Airport is in the Loudoun County area.

A mugshot released by police shows Rooney in a red shirt.

Rooney, in September 2017, admitted drink-driving on a night out when he was caught driving a woman's Volkswagen Beetle when nearly three times the legal limit.

He was banned from driving for two years and ordered to carry out unpaid work in the community.

After a return to Everton, he transferred to DC United and made his debut on July 14 last year.