Rotherham United manager Paul Warne has responded to claims made by Derby County boss Wayne Rooney that the shouting of Millers chairman Tony Stewart during last night's game was disrespectful. 

Having been rescheduled from Tuesday due to a waterlogged pitch, the two sides met at the New York Stadium last night and a late flurry of goals saw the hosts claim the win.

Michael Ihiekwe, Michael Smith, and Ryan Giles all found the net inside the last 15 minutes to secure three points, a result which tightens things up in the relegation battle.

A frustrated Rooney was heavily critical of the Rotherham chairman after the game, labelling him as "disrespectful".

He explained (via the Derby Telegraph): "We are quick enough to have a go at fans for using language and being offensive on the side, but you don't expect it from the chairman.

"I wouldn't expect it from our owners or board, so it is a bit disappointing."

The Rotherham boss was given a chance to respond to those claims after last night's game and admitted that he was aware of the issue that his opposition manager had raised.

Speaking to journalist Stephen Ibbetson, he said: "I’d be lying if I didn’t say I heard noise because I did hear noise. I didn’t hear exactly what was said. At the final whistle, Wayne told me he was disappointed. But I can’t answer for other people, that’s all I can really say."

It was a frustrating evening for the Rams, who were on top for long periods but ultimately unable to make any of their pressure count.

The defeat brings their three-game winning run to an end and means they now sit just two points away from the bottom three, with the 22nd-placed Millers having the advantage of two games in hand.

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The Verdict

This is a measured response from Warne and that is to be expected.

Rooney was clearly left very annoyed by the comments made from club figures during the game, though it is unclear at the point what they were and whether the Derby boss was just using them as a way to vent his anger.

The Rams looked to have turned a corner recently but were punished by Rotherham last night in a defeat that may be somewhat sobering, reminding them that they're still facing a relegation battle.