Manchester: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has defended his habit of waving imaginary cards on the touchline calling for opposing players to be sent-off.
It was the second time in four games that Mancini has waved an imaginary card but the Italian refused to apologise despite accusing Wayne Rooney of influencing the referee when Vincent Kompany was dismissed in the Manchester derby on January 8.
Manchester United striker Rooney used Twitter to suggest Mancini attempted to get referee Martin Atkinson to dismiss Figueroa for this bizarre handball during Manchester City's win by waving an imaginary card.
Rooney tweeted: "Was manchini (sic) asking for a red card????"
But the Italian, replied by saying "I did it because Rooney did it, but it's normal when there's a chance like today," Mancini said.
"But because I'm on the bench, it's different to a player near the referee. From the bench it's what you think at that moment. The referee can't see you on the bench."
Mancini added that he regretted the comments made about Rooney as he became embroiled in a row over officiating decisions for the fourth consecutive game.
The City boss called for Martin Skrtel to be sent off during his side's 3-0 victory over Liverpool on January 3 and eight days later was involved in a tunnel altercation with Steven Gerrard after complaining about a challenge from Reds defender Glen Johnson.
Mancini was talking after watching Edin Dzeko score the only goal as City restored a three points lead at the top of the Premier League and recovered after back-to-back defeats in the domestic cups.
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