Red card referee praises Rooney

Wolfgang Stark, the referee who sent off Wayne Rooney last week in the Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro, has praised the Manchester United forward for immediately walking off the pitch once the red card had been brandished.

There has been talk that Rooney's one game ban could be increased to two games, but the Man Utd man is certain to miss England's first Euro 2012 game.

Stark praised the forward for coming off the pitch straight away as soon as the red card had been shown. The referee thinks his behaviour could merit him less suspension from UEFA.

Stark said: "He accepted it without dissent. Maybe it will help Rooney the way he acted by accepting my decision.

"It was a straight red card. I had no hesitation. You saw what happened and Rooney knew by his reaction. He just walked off.

"I have no more input into the process. I will submit my report and it is up to UEFA what they will do."