Euro hope for Rooney after referee backs England striker in red card rumpus

By Bob Cass
Last updated at 9:54 PM on 8th October 2011

Wayne Rooney may be spared the worst over his latest England red card, according to the referee who sent him off in the 2-2 draw against Montenegro.
Friday's result sealed England's place in the Euro 2012 finals, but there were fears the Manchester United striker would be banned for two - or even all three - of the first-phase group games.
Reckless: Wayne Rooney kicks out at Miodrag Dzudovic
Reckless: Wayne Rooney kicks out at Miodrag Dzudovic
However, German referee Wolfgang Stark said: 'Maybe it will help Rooney the way he acted by accepting my decision without any fuss.'
Rooney, who was also sent off in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final against Portugal, was dismissed in the 73rd minute on Friday after kicking Montenegro defender Miodrag Dzudovic.
Stark said: 'It was a straight red card. I had no hesitation. Everyone saw what happened and Rooney knew by his reaction. He accepted my decision without dissent and walked straight off the pitch.
Backing: Ref Stark says Rooney deserves credit for his reaction to red card
Backing: Ref Stark says Rooney deserves credit for his reaction to red card
'I will submit my report about the sending-off. After that I will have no more input and it will be up to UEFA to decide what to do.'
Rooney, who helped England earn an early 2-0 lead before being pegged back in stoppage time, will miss a minimum of one match and apologised immediately to manager Fabio Capello afterwards.
The Italian said: 'I can't enter into the head of Wayne Rooney when he plays. I can speak before. I can substitute him. I can find different solutions. But you cannot understand during the game why things happen.'
Sorry boss; Rooney apologised to Capello after the match
Sorry boss: Rooney apologised to Capello after the match
The Rooney dismissal cast a shadow over what was, ultimately, a comfortable qualifying programme for unbeaten England.
Skipper John Terry quickly looked to dampen the inevitable hysteria over the Manchester United striker's rash moment.
Terry said: 'I think it's important to realise that without Wayne we wouldn't be in this position. He has been absolutely magnificent for England and I hope people don't criticise him too much. The important thing is we got the right result and we're through.'
The red card means Rooney will receive an automatic one-match ban, which he will carry into next year's finals in Poland and Ukraine, but this may be increased at the discretion of UEFA's disciplinary panel.

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