• Euro 2012

Dzudovic writes to UEFA to defend Rooney

Wayne Rooney is currently set to miss the entire group stage at Euro 2012 © Getty Images

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Montenegro defender Miodrag Dzudovic will give his full support to Wayne Rooney in his bid to have his three-game Euro 2012 ban reduced.

Rooney was sent off in England's final qualifier in Montenegro for aiming a needless kick at Dzudovic off the ball. UEFA deemed the challenge to be "an assault" and banned him for three competitiive matches, which rules him out of the group stage in Poland and Ukraine.

England must wait for UEFA's official documentation, which details its reasoning for the ban, before submitting any appeal. The Football Association then has three days to lodge an appeal, and a further six to submit its case. UEFA was due to deliver the documentation on Thursday, but delayed this for "at least a week".

Contrary to reports elsewhere, UEFA's disciplinary regulations state a player's ban cannot be increased if he is the only party involved appealing against the punishment. And as Dzudovic is backing Rooney there is no chance that he could face a longer ban.

The letter was written by the Soviet Sport newspaper and signed by Dzudovic, according to the Daily Mail.

The letter said: "Miodrag would like to underline that he didn't notice any signs of aggression in Rooney's actions. In his opinion the England national team player was driven by emotions and it was an act of desperation rather than anger.

"The most important detail we ask to take notice of is Wayne Rooney's apology. He realised his fault and felt guilty. UEFA pay so much attention to 'Fair Play' principles but Wayne's behaviour is the brightest example of fairness.

"It is rare when a player leaves the field blaming no one but himself after being sent off. In our opinion, Wayne Rooney shouldn't be banned even for a single game. We hope to be heard in UEFA.''

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