Rooney handed three-match ban

England's Euro 2012 hopes have been dealt a huge blow after Wayne Rooney was banned for three matches by UEFA. The decision by UEFA's control and disciplinary body after Rooney sent off for England against Montenegro last week means the striker will miss all of England's Euro 2012 group matches in June. Rooney was shown a straight red by German referee Wolfgang Stark for kicking Miodrag Dzudovoic - England manager Fabio Capello said it was a "silly mistake" by the Manchester United player. The 25-year-old was always in danger of receiving a three-match ban despite the Football Association submitting a dossier of evidence pleading for leniency, including a letter from Rooney himself.

Source: PA