It isn't harsh, remember what he did against Wigan last years.
There is an intruiging statistic about England's red cards: 8 of the last 10 red cards are for Man Utd players...different standards in Europe?
I love how the media storm made that Wigan thing such a big deal. Those kind of clashes occur in every match, particularly in corners and what not. But because it's Wayne Rooney, we saw it 10 times in slow motion on MOTD. Hell, 90% of the country wanted the FA to change the rules to charge him. Because of who he is.
It is very interesting that 8/10 of the last red cards have been United players. I'm sure that a disproportionate of England caps have gone to United players in that time (esp considering Nevilles, Beckham, Ferdinand, Butt etc) but not 80%. So yes, does seem that a United player playing for England is more likely to be sent off.
I'm sure opposition fans would of course continue to perpetuate the myth that it's because Fergie owns refs the FA IS CORRUPT INNIT and other such intellectually-challenged beliefs, but it's probably more to do with them not being used to losing, and reacting badly. Half of those were from Roon/Beckham, who the English press had built so high they had to fall.
Anyway, doesn't matter. As a United fan I'm happy for him to have the summer off. As an England fan I'm dissappointed but it'll be interesting to see which United player the English public choose to blame this time.