Wayne Rooney's public intoxication arrest came when he was left "disorientated" by prescribed sleeping tablets he took on a flight while drinking, his spokesman has said.

The DC United striker was arrested on December 16 by armed airport police after becoming abusive while drunk in Washington.

Rooney was arriving back in the US from a promotional trip to Saudi Arabia where he attended the Formula E Grand Prix.

The 33-year-old was pictured in a police mug shot before he was eventually issued just a 25 dollar fine.

However, the Manchester United legend's spokesman said: "Wayne Rooney was arrested and detained at Dulles airport following a long flight from Saudi Arabia after a one-day promotional business trip.

(Image: waynerooney/Instagram)

(Image: Getty Images)

"During the flight Wayne took a prescribed amount of sleeping tablets mixed with some alcohol consumption and consequently was disorientated on arrival.

"He was approached by police who arrested him on a minor misdemeanour charge.

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"He received a statutory automatic fine and was released shortly afterwards at the airport. The matter is now at an end.

"Wayne would like to put on record his appreciation for the manner he was treated by all involved.

"No further comment will be made."