SAF expected long Rooney ban

Published Oct. 14, 2011 9:15 p.m. ET

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Everton boss David Moyes has branded Rooney's suspension, which will keep him out of England's entire group phase in Poland or Ukraine next summer, "a joke". However, Ferguson, who has still not seen the incident, takes a different view. "I expected a three-match ban, I must admit," he told MUTV. "Sending offs usually carry that and I didn't think there was going to be any leniency towards England. "He is going to miss the group games for England, which is a blow for him and England." It will be next week before the Football Association receive the written conclusions they require from UEFA before deciding whether to launch an appeal. Opinion is divided as to whether the FA should mount a challenge, with Wolves boss Mick McCarthy, pointing out appeals to the FA's own disciplinary rulings are rarely successful. Ferguson stayed well clear of the argument during his weekly press briefing, confirming immediately that he would not answer any questions relating to his star forward, who is expected to play at Liverpool tomorrow. Moyes took up the argument on Rooney's behalf though. "The three-game ban is a joke," Moyes said. "There is no doubting that Wayne shouldn't have done what he did. "But I thought they (UEFA) would have near enough let it go." Once they receive the written findings, the FA will have three days to advise whether they intend to appeal or not. From that point they will have a further six days to submit their case. It means it is likely to be into November at the earliest before a final decision is made. In the immediate aftermath of the second red card of Rooney's England career, manager Fabio Capello indicated he would take the player to the finals regardless of any suspension. However, the Italian was speaking in the belief that the 26-year-old would only miss one game, or two at the most. Sunderland boss Steve Bruce believes the decision over whether to take Rooney to the finals is straightforward. "That flash, what he did, is why Wayne Rooney is one of the great players we have seen in this country," the former United skipper said. "For me, 100% you take him. "Wayne Rooney is a great player because he has got that little bit of edge about him. All the great players have. "In one way or another, they are always on the edge, it's what makes them a great player. Let's make no mistake, Wayne Rooney is our great player, he's our total, world-class player." Newcastle manager Alan Pardew echoed Bruce's stance. "It's not even a question for me," Pardew said. "He's the best player in the country, the best player in the country who has had, in my opinion, a tough ban imposed on him."