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UEFA backs zero-tolerance approach to dissent [Sat Sep 17th, 2005]
London (Reuters) - European football's governing body UEFA is fully behind the decision to send off Wayne Rooney for dissent in the UEFA Champions League and said it would continue to support a zero tolerance approach.
The 19-year-old England striker was shown a second yellow card for sarcastically applauding Kim Milton Nielsen in Manchester United's 0-0 draw at Villarreal on Wednesday after the Danish referee had booked him for a foul.
UEFA director of communications William Gaillard said Nielsen was right.
"This 'no dissent' line was what we agreed in Manchester and is what will see in the Champions League this year," Gaillard told Sky Sports News.
"Last season there were a number occasions in which the situation got out of hand. We should probably take the example of rugby where no dissent is tolerated.
"I think you are going to see referees being extremely firm in making sure that the field is not transformed into a talk shop."
Nielsen is already well known in England after he sent off David Beckham in England's World Cup second round match with Argentina in 1998.
"Even sarcastic play is not allowed, the referee cannot accept that," he told BBC Radio.
"If Rooney keeps showing referees such a lack of respect he will find it hard to stay on the pitch. It is a terrible waste of his talent."
FIFA president Sepp Blatter said earlier this month that lack of respect for referees was a blight on the game at all levels.
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