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Rooney breaks silence on crucial red card

Comment: 0 November 4th, 2011 by: admin

Four weeks after the Montenegro match that led to his three-match ban, Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney commented on the red card that threatened his participation in the English team.

Speaking out for the first time regarding his suspension, the star striker acknowledged that the kick he dealt to Montenegro defender Miodrag Dzudovic – the kick that sent him off the field – was a mistake.

‘It’s my own fault,’ mused Rooney.  He continued to admit that the act can only be pinned to him, and that no one else was to blame but himself against the call.

The current situation has Rooney ruled out of all of England’s group matches in the Euro 2012 tournament set to take place next summer.

‘Obviously, it’s devastating for me but it’s something that’s my own fault, so I can’t really complain,’ he said.

Despite this acknowledgement, the striker still recognised the suspension as a sanction that was too large for the deed.

‘It was stupid by me – I regretted it as soon as I did it.  It’s no excuse, but I still feel the punishment is a bit harsh,’ Rooney admitted.  ‘I’m disappointed with it.’

England coach Fabio Capello had in the past expressed his worry over the ruling that takes Rooney – one of the club’s most valuable assets – out of the competition for three entire matches.

Whether or not the Football Association will file an official appeal on Rooney’s behalf is yet to be determined.

‘All the details we have been waiting on have come through, so we’ll be making a decision as to whether or not we will be appealing,’ he explained.

Recalling the incident, Rooney admitted that he cannot give a definite answer as to why he committed the foul.

‘I honestly don’t know why,’ he said.  ‘It was just one of those moments which I live to regret now.

‘There was no tackle beforehand, and I didn’t think, “I’m going to beat him.” It just happened.  I can’t explain it.’

When asked a few weeks ago, Capello stated that he still pictured Rooney with the squad, but constructing a strategy that compensates for the striker’s absence was a possibility.

According to reports, the FA will decide by late afternoon on Friday whether or not to submit an official appeal on the matter.

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