Rooney´s remorse over Euro ban

Wayne Rooney admits he only has himself to blame for his three-match Euro 2012 ban.

The Manchester United striker received a red card during England’s 2-2 draw with Montenegro in Podgorica last month after kicking Miodrag Dzudovic and is set to miss all three of the group stage games if the ruling for the ban is not appealed against successfully.

Speaking for the first time, the 26-year-old has accepted full responsibility for his actions that could prove costly for his national side.

“Obviously, it’s devastating for me but it’s something that’s my own fault, so I can’t really complain,” he said.

“It was stupid by me. I regretted it as soon as I did it. It’s no excuse, but I still feel the punishment is a bit harsh. I’m disappointed with it.”

“All the details we have been waiting on have come through, so we’ll be making a decision as to whether we will be appealing.”

“Even if it’s reduced by one game, it will be a bonus for me.”

When asked why he kicked out at Dzudovic, the striker added: “I honestly don’t know why. It was just one of those moments which I live to regret now.”

“There was no tackle beforehand, and I didn’t think, ‘I’m going to beat him’. It just happened. I can’t explain it.”

The FA will decide by 5pm on Friday whether to formally appeal Rooney’s ban, and the United man is thankful of the support from Dzudovic, who has written to UEFA asking for leniency.

“I hope he does speak up for me. I think he sent an e-mail to the FA stressing that the punishment was too harsh, so obviously that is nice for me because he didn’t have to do that,” Rooney said.