Michel Platini backs FA move to ban Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson

Michel Platini

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Uefa president Michel Platini has backed the moves made by the Football Association to hand bans to Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Manchester United boss was handed a five-game touchline ban after criticising referee Martin Atkinson after he awarded a controversial penalty United’s game with Chelsea last month.

Rooney was given a two-game ban by the FA after swearing towards the camera in the Red Devils’ match with West Ham United where he bagged a hat-trick.

“Sometimes we have some people who don’t respect the referee,” Platini told Sky Sports News.

“Perhaps, in my career, I sometimes didn’t respect the referee because I was nervous.

“Wayne Rooney and Alex Ferguson, they will regret what they have done because it’s in the moment.

“I can understand but they made a mistake and they were banned for these disciplinary matters.

“Sometimes you can be not so happy but we are here to protect the game. We have regulations to protect the referee.

“The referees have to be protected because the game has to be protected.”

Platini says he can understand when players are angry and upset during games but if they cross the line they deserve to face the consequences.

“I am not a saint,” said Platini. “I can understand these things because they are men and they have a reaction.

“But it’s not good and we have to punish these reactions.”