Redknapp: Rooney appeal opens can of worms

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has followed Kenny Dalglish’s lead in accusing the Football Association of double standards over their campaign to get Wayne Rooney’s Euro 2012 ban reduced.

Rooney’s suspension for next summer’s tournament was cut from three matches to two at a UEFA hearing in Switzerland yesterday.

Redknapp thinks the FA’s stance is hypocritical as he is sure that had the Manchester United player lashed out in a similar manner to his kick at Montenegro’s Miodrag Dzudovic in a domestic game, the 26-year-old would be suspended for three matches and an appeal might have brought even more.

Redknapp, the bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Fabio Capello as England boss, said: “In all honesty it was a three-match ban for violent conduct.

“You can look at it and say it wasn’t that violent, but it doesn’t matter. If you cuff someone, you get a three-match ban. Those are the rules.

“If you appealed it (domestically), it would be a frivolous appeal and you would probably get four games if you went to the FA.”

They are similar comments to those expressed by Liverpool boss Dalglish yesterday, and Redknapp now expects the FA to be besieged with appeals for domestic red cards.

“For them to get it from three to two, it opens up a can of worms,” he said.

“There will be clubs appealing against bans and they will want to know why they aren’t getting it cut from three to two for similar situations.

“People will look at it and think, ’Hang on, the FA have gone and appealed against his (Rooney’s) red, why can’t we?’

“From England’s point of view, I’m pleased to see him get two because he’s that important to England, but in all honesty, the rules are supposed to be the rules and they have not been adhered to in this situation.”