UEFA Reduces Wayne Rooney’s Euro 2012 Ban To Two Matches

The appeal was heard by a panel of three from UEFA’s disciplinary committee and Rooney’s appeal was argued by four FA attorneys, while Rooney and England manager Fabio Capello were also in attendance. Rooney’s appeal was undoubtedly helped by Dzudovic, who asked that UEFA show the Englishman leniency because Rooney acted out out of “desperation rather than anger.”

It’s not entirely clear on what grounds the FA is arguing that Rooney’s ban should be reduced - in the Premier League serious foul play leading to a red card would be met with a three game ban and Rooney’s tackle was completely malicious. Combined with his poor disciplinary record in international matches, you can’t see this one succeeding. But hey, there’s probably not much harm in asking, unless UEFA adds a game on for being cheeky.

However, at least some fans are going to see a silver lining here - the Manchester United ones. Gene Um at SB Nation’s Manchester United blog The Busby Babe notes that Rooney missing out on the Euros could well mean that the striker is more focused on the club season, and it might even mean he’s not called up for friendly duty as the tournament approaches.

That’s a heavy price to pay for one moment of madness, although it’d be difficult to claim it wasn’t deserved. The England team is build around getting the most out of Rooney, and his missing the entirety of the group stages could well mean the side doesn’t progress or has to face a top seed in the first knockout rounds. The FA will presumably appeal the decision, but a three-match ban for violent conduct doesn’t seem at all out of the ordinary and you’d have to imagine that the sentence will be upheld.