The England striker uttered an audible expletive following the completion of his hat-trick at Upton Park, which helped the visitors come from 2-0 down to win 4-2.

Rooney's outburst, which was beamed around the world by Sky Sports, prompted an on-air apology from the broadcasters, with the Football Association later revealing they would examine the footage.

But in a statement released by the club, Rooney has put his outburst down to the emotion of putting his side ahead.

He said: "I want to apologise for any offence that may have been caused by my goal celebration, especially any parents or children that were watching. Emotions were running high and on reflection my heat-of-the-moment reaction was inappropriate. It was not aimed at anyone in particular."

It is understood that taking action over a player swearing into a camera may be unprecedented, but the FA's rules do appear to have a provision about such behaviour.

They state: "A participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute or use any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour."

Rooney upset England fans during last summer's World Cup when he turned to a television camera and verbally attacked them at the end of the dismal goalless draw with Algeria.

A list of Wayne Rooney's previous brushes with trouble

2004

November: Substituted after 42 minutes of the Spain v England friendly in Madrid after a series of reckless fouls. Then swore at the bench before throwing the red armband worn in memory of the late Emlyn Hughes to floor.

2005

September: Was a liability during England's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland in Belfast. Involved in a first-half flare-up with Keith Gillespie before swearing at David Beckham and pushing Rio Ferdinand.

September: Sent off for sarcastically applauding the referee after being booked for unintentionally fouling an opponent during the Champions League game against Villarreal.

2006

July 1: Sent off in the World Cup quarter-final against Portugal after appearing to stamp on the groin of Ricardo Carvalho and then push Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

August 4: Sent off in an Amsterdam Tournament match against Porto after hitting defender Pepe with an elbow. He was punished with a three-match ban by the FA.

2008

October: On a return to Goodison Park, Rooney kissed the Manchester United badge on his shirt, a gesture aimed in the direction of irate Everton fans. After being booked, Rooney was substituted by Sir Alex Ferguson.

2009

March: A frustrated Rooney threw the ball away to earn a second booking as United went down 2-0 at Craven Cottage. Rooney unleashed a volley of abuse at referee Phil Dowd before taking a swing at the corner flag as he left the pitch.

2010

June 7: In England's final warm-up game against Platinum Stars, Rooney was accused of swearing at the referee. He apologised after the game and offered the official his shirt.

June 18: Said "nice to see your home fans boo you'' to TV cameras after England's disappointing goalless draw with Algeria at the World Cup.

2011

February 26: Caught Wigan's James McCarthy with an elbow during Manchester United's 4-0 win at the DW Stadium. Latics manager Roberto Martinez said Rooney should have been sent off, but the England striker controversially escaped sanction after referee Mark Clattenburg told the Football Association that he had seen the incident.