Figures from the footballing world have expressed mixed reactions to the news that Wayne Rooney will miss all of England's group stage games at Euro 2012.
The striker saw his one-match ban increased to three by UEFA after his red card against Montenegro in England's final qualifying game.
Everton defender Phil Neville tweeted: "Rooney banned for 3 games what a joke - if it was a Dutch, Spanish, Italian, German player they wouldn't even get 1 game #fact."
Elsewhere, Manchester United teammate Michael Owen wrote on his Twitter page: "Disappointing news regarding Wayne Rooney. Missing 3 games on such a big stage seems a bit harsh."
Former England captain Terry Butcher told BBC Sport: "I thought Wayne Rooney would get two games and never thought there was a chance of one, but to get three is desperate news for England. Fabio Capello's heart must have fallen through the floor the moment UEFA's decision was announced."
While there has been some sympathy for the 25-year-old, England Supporters Club spokesman Mary Perryman has said that Rooney deserves the punishment.
"I'm gutted, absolutely gutted," she told BBC Sport. "I was there at Euro 2004 when he lit up to competition, but he was petulant out in South Africa. He was talked about as a future England captain. Not on this basis, not in a million years."
The FA have said that they will consider the announcement internally before deciding whether to appeal.
Jack Prescott
