The man who sent Wayne Rooney off in Montenegro is willing to stand up for the Manchester United star.

Friday's result sealed England's place in the Euro 2012 finals, but there were fears Rooney would be banned for two - or even all three - of the first-phase group games.

However, German referee Wolfgang Stark said: "Maybe it will help Rooney the way he acted by accepting my decision without any fuss.

"It was a straight red card. I had no hesitation. Everyone saw what happened and Rooney knew by his reaction. He accepted my decision without dissent and walked straight off the pitch.

"I will submit my report about the sending-off. After that I will have no more input and it will be up to UEFA to decide what to do."