FIFA to investigate Rooney sending-off

Wayne Rooney will be investigated for violent conduct following his 62nd-minute sending-off in England´s quarter-final defeat by Portugal yesterday.

FIFA spokesman Markus Siegler said this morning: “Wayne Rooney got a direct red card so he will automatically be suspended.”

He added: “It will be a disciplinary case. If you may ask why (he was sent off) I refer to law 12 on violent conduct to make that clear. Like for any other player (who got a red card) the committee will decide on the penalty.”

Rooney was dismissed after appearing to stamp on the groin of Ricardo Carvalho and then push Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Asked whether the 20-year-old was dismissed for the stamping or pushing, Siegler said: “I refer to rule number 12 on sending-off offences.”

FIFA‘s disciplinary committee also opened a case against Argentina´s Maxi Rodriguez for his involvement in the post-match brawl between Germany and Argentina.