By Chris O'Brien
August 18 2006

Manchester United stars Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes have both been banned for three matches following red cards in a pre-season friendly against FC Porto. The pair will miss crucial Premiership matches against Charlton Athletic, Watford and Spurs.

Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes have both been hit with three-match suspensions for their red cards in a pre-season friendly against Porto.

The duo were both dismissed as United secured a 3-1 victory in their opening game of the annual Amsterdam Tournament. Having both already found the net, Rooney saw red for a rather innocuous aerial challenge on Pepe, though there can be less debate surrounding Scholes' severe challenge from behind that resulted in his dismissal.

Both players will miss United's visits to Charlton and Watford, and the following home clash against Spurs. However, Rooney and Scholes will both be available for selection for United's Premiership curtain raiser against Fulham on Sunday.

The suspension is in place after referee Ruud Bossen filed a comprehensive report on the game, detailing both red card decisions to the Dutch Football Association. This has been forwarded to the Football Association who have slapped the players with the three-match bans.

United fans are furious at the FA's decision, none less so because two Liverpool players escaped punishment for red cards in the same tournament three seasons ago. Neil Mellor and Steven Gerrard were both dismissed in an Amsterdam Tournament match, though competition officials 'safeguarded' the players by instructing referees not to report any sending-off to the relevant authorities.

With United already short on attacking options for the forthcoming campaign; this news comes as a major blow.