Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish thinks that the Football Association's decision to appeal Wayne Rooney's three-match ban sets a bad example due to their own disciplinary standards.
The Manchester United striker had his Euro 2012 three-match ban reduced to two matches following a successful appeal in Nyon today.
While the Reds boss is pleased that Rooney is available to play in England's final group game against Ukraine next summer, the Scotsman thinks that the FA are contradicting themselves.
"I don't think it sets a very good standard that they appeal against Wayne's three-match ban," said Dalglish. "I think it calls into question their own disciplinary system.
"I think [Rooney's appeal is] understandable, I think Wayne's a fantastic footballer but it's not as if it was a 50/50 challenge he got sent off for is it? So I don't know how they justify if it's a straight red it's three games, I don't know how they justify that it's diluted.
"If they can justify diluting Wayne's then everybody else that appeals for a similar sending off in a Premier League game would expect to have their ban reduced.
"So I think it's great news for England that their best player is going to be available for the last game but I don't think it sets a very good precedent for everybody else."
Dalglish's comments come after Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing was sent off in the Reds' 1-0 defeat to Fulham on Monday evening.
Danielle Joynson
