Man United appeal Rooney and Scholes's ban

London - Manchester United appealed Friday against three-match bans to Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes that could rule the pair out of the start of the Premier League season.

"Appeals for wrongful dismissal have been received in respect of Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes," the Football Association said in a statement. "Both offences carry three-match suspensions which would come into effect on August 23."

Rooney and Scholes were both sent off in a 3-1 pre-season win over FC Porto in Amsterdam last week. Rooney picked up a red card and Scholes went off with two yellow cards.

The FA said it received the report from the Dutch Football Association on Wednesday - any suspension would begin 14 days after the FA received the report.

If found guilty of violent conduct, the pair would miss a game against Charlton on August 23, Watford on August 26, and home to Tottenham on September 9.

Both would be eligible for United's opener against Fulham on August 19.

United manager Alex Ferguson was "surprised" the case had reached this stage.

"I am surprised it has carried on this far," Ferguson said. "We will be appealing."

The case is likely to be heard on August 15. - Sapa-AP