An Englishman Abroad

Wayne Rooney's latest show of petulance sets up the prospect of another international tournament dominated by the player's, at least initial, absence. Just when things seemed to be rosy for Team England, 1 - 2 ahead away in Montenegro and with automatic qualification seemingly in the bag for Euro 2012, for reasons known only to Rooney, he lashed out at an opponent who had the temerity to dispossess him legitimately. The inevitable and unarguable red card followed immediately from referee, Wolfgang Stark. Rooney went quietly.

Rooney's case will now be considered by the UEFA Disciplinary Committee tomorrow (13th October 2011). It is understood that both the English FA, in the shape of Manager Fabio Capello, and Rooney himself have made written submissions requesting leniency. Team England fear a 3 match ban which would rule Rooney out of all 3 tournament qualifying matches and even, arguably, put his inclusion in the tournament squad at risk. It would of course be a serious blow to Rooney, but also to the team. Rooney though only has himself to blame for this latest bout of unjustifiable violence. It is difficult to see what would justify a lenient approach from UEFA. This was petulant, unprovoked violence. As usual the English authorities are indulging this behaviour for short term gain rather than making an example of the player.

The Player Misconduct disciplinary regulations of UEFA (Article 10 sub paragraph (e)) state that the 'standard sanction' for assaulting another player at a match is a suspension for 3 competition matches. Sub paragraph (f) allows for a standard sanction suspension of 5 matches for 'serious assault'.

Rooney's action could not realistically be categorised as 'serious assault', but it certainly falls squarely within subsection (e) (standard sanction 3 matches). At the discretion of the disciplinary panel this sanction can be reduced or increased according to the individual circumstances of the case (Article 17 (2)) i.e. the aggravating and mitigating factors.

Through a combination of factors, Rooney's last 2 major tournaments have been disastrous affairs. In 2006 Rooney barely recovered from a broken metatarsal injury in time to participate in WC Germany2006. He was out of form and possibly fitness. Eventually his frustrations boiled over in an assault upon a Portuguese player during the quarter final. He received a straight red card. At WC South Africa 2010 Rooney fared little better. Entering the tournament again without form or true fitness due to injury, Rooney performed badly throughout and even delivered an on camera tirade to the fans.

Rooney can be a joy to behold as a player, but indiscipline risks tarnishing his reputation for all time. Time is short for Rooney to redeem himself.