The Montenegro defender who Wayne Rooney kicked to earn himself a red card has said that he thinks the striker's punishment is unfair.

Rooney was given a three-match ban by UEFA after he lashed out at Miodrag Dzudovic during England's Euro 2012 qualifier on October 7.

Despite being on the end of the Manchester United player's boot, Dzudovic has said that he will help Rooney if he decides to appeal the ban.

"I will speak for Rooney if he appeals against his ban," he told The Mirror.

"I don't think it was fair (the ­punishment). He just was not thinking in that moment and after that he realised what he had done. He realised immediately what he had done and he apologised to me.

"It was really painful. I had a slight swelling after the game but I didn't have a bruise. I wasn't shocked because I wasn't aware of the kick at that moment."

The Football Association have yet to announce whether they will appeal the decision.