United to appeal against Rooney and Scholes bans

Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes were last night given three-match bans by the Football Association for their red cards during the Amsterdam Tournament. Manchester United are set to appeal and may find some sympathy within the FA.

Rooney and Scholes could miss the Premiership games against Charlton Athletic, Watford and Tottenham Hotspur after the Dutch FA finally reported the pair's dismissals against Porto to the FA yesterday. But United have already warned the FA that they will launch an immediate appeal in an attempt to get both red cards overturned.

An FA spokesman said: "Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes have each been issued with three-game suspensions starting on August 23. Manchester United have until Friday to formally submit any appeal and video evidence to back up their case. There will then be a hearing, probably next Tuesday, which will review any appeal."

The referee Ruud Bossen said in his report that Rooney was dismissed for violent conduct, while Scholes was ordered off for serious foul play. Both charges carry an automatic three-match ban which will start with United's game against Charlton Athletic at The Valley.

Sir Alex Ferguson accused Bossen of dismissing Rooney because of his reputation for getting into trouble but did admit that Scholes deserved to be sent off for a crude tackle from behind on Ricardo Quaresma. However, United will appeal that dismissal on the grounds that the game was a pre-season friendly.

There is a possibility that the FA will be lenient on hearing the appeals - Rooney may have his card overturned and Scholes' suspension could be reduced to one game.