London: The English Football Association is appealing against the three-match ban that is set to rule Wayne Rooney out of the group stage of next year's European Championship.
The striker was sent off in England's last Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro for kicking a player in a petulant incident which UEFA deemed to be an assault.
UEFA increased the punishment from the automatic one-game ban to a three-game suspension and England have lodged their appeal after receiving the written reasons from European football's governing body.
"The FA can confirm it will be appealing the UEFA sanction against Wayne Rooney following his red card against Montenegro," the FA said on Friday. "The written reasons were received on Tuesday evening with a deadline of midnight tonight to respond, which we have now done so formally."
The FA has until next week to submit the grounds for its appeal.
"Even if it's reduced by one game, it will be a bonus for me," Rooney said.
The victim of Rooney's challenge, defender Miodrag Dzudovic, has written to UEFA to lend his support to the Manchester United forward.
Earlier, the Manchester United player said he blamed no one but himself for his "stupid" red card, received after he kicked out at Montenegro defender Dzudovic during the match in Podgorica.
Rooney is accepting full responsibility for the kick that came after losing possession and said he would understand if England coach Fabio Capello left him out of the squad for the finals in Poland and Ukraine.
"It was stupid of me and I regretted it as soon as I did it," the 26-year-old told the British media this week.
"Obviously, it's devastating for me but it's something that's my own fault, so I can't really complain. It's no excuse, but I still feel the punishment is a bit harsh. I'm disappointed with it."
Rooney said he had no idea why he acted as he did. England, who were winning 2-1 at the time, went on to draw 2-2 with Montenegro to secure their place in the Euro 2012 finals.
"I honestly don't know why. It was just one of those moments which I live to regret now," he said. "It just happened. I can't explain it."
"I want to be there and be part of the team but I'll understand if I am not in the next squad because I'll be missing the first three games and he (Capello) has to look at other players."
Coach Fabio Capello has said Rooney is unlikely to be named in the squad on Sunday for upcoming friendlies against Spain and Sweden.
Capello wants to use the matches - and another friendly against the Netherlands in February - to test out alternatives up front.
Comments
0 comment