Shaun Rooney Departs St Mirren Amid Legal Troubles

St Mirren Football Club has announced the departure of Shaun Rooney by mutual consent following his recent legal troubles. The club has stated that it will not be making any further comments regarding the issue.

Rooney, a 28-year-old defender, was suspended last month after police confirmed his arrest and charges in connection with an assault on an 18-year-old woman. Additionally, Rooney has been charged with a breach of the peace, considered a hate crime, against an 18-year-old man. The incident reportedly occurred at a takeaway on Queen Street, Glasgow, in the early hours of Thursday, September 19, 2024.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland commented, “A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with an assault on an 18-year-old woman and a breach of the peace against an 18-year-old man in takeaway premises on Queen Street, Glasgow.” The spokesperson also mentioned that the accused has been released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Rooney, a former St Johnstone player, returned to Scotland in the summer after a spell with Fleetwood Town in England. During his time with St Mirren, he made ten appearances for the team this season and scored on his debut in the Europa Conference League qualifier against Valur.

The departure of Rooney under such circumstances highlights the ongoing challenges faced by professional sports clubs in managing their players’ conduct both on and off the field.