Crossword Genius

Shambles as Rooney originally included in side (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

farce

'shambles' is the definition.

'rooney originally included in side' is the wordplay.
'originally' indicates taking the first letters.
'included in' is an insertion indicator.
'side' becomes 'face' (face is a kind of side).
The initial letter of 'rooney' is 'r'.
'r' put within 'face' is 'FARCE'.

'as' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for farce that I've seen before include "Absurd drama" , "A ridiculous comedy or absurd proceedings" , "Absurd event; comedy" , "Ludicrous comedy" , "Absurd proceedings, perhaps in play" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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