Rooney gets 3-match ban

UEFA came down hard on England's Wayne Rooney October 13, issuing a three-match ban for kicking a player during qualifying play October 7. Rooney was shown a red card when he kicked Montenegro defender Miodrag Dzudovic in the 74th minute of their qualifying match that ended in a 2-2 draw.
The normal one-match ban after a red card can be added to when the governing body feels the action represents something beyond the level of even a hard tackle. UEFA's rule book calls for three-game bans in cases judged to be an assault.
Rooney did not appear at the hearing, but can do so at an appeal if one is scheduled. England's Football Association can request an appeal on Rooney's behalf, but hasn't yet indicated if it will do so, saying they will study the decision first. They have three days to decide if they wish to file with disciplinary committee.
England earned enough points to take the top spot in Group G and is through to the tournament, while Montenegro came in second and will get a chance to advance in the playoffs held that include second-place finishers.
England will not know who they will face in group play for the tournament until the draw takes place December 2 in Kiev, but they will be without Rooney for all their group matches unless the ruling is overturned on appeal.
It's a huge suspension that could determine whether or not England makes it out of group. Anyone who follows Rooney's exploits with Manchester United knows just how good he can be, but also how volatile. His emotions got the best of him October 7 in Podgorica, and his actions may have ramifications for the entire tournament.