Man City's Rodri becomes first player to be banned after breaking new rule at Euro 2024
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has become the first player to be banned after breaking a new rule brought in for Euro 2024.
The former Atletico Madrid man was cautioned in Spain's 3-0 win over Croatia for giving away a penalty after he brought down Bruno Petkovic when he looked set to score.
Many felt as though Rodri should have received his marching orders as the law was recently changed when it comes to a player denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
Rodri was again at the base of Spain's midfield for the game against Italy but was again shown a yellow card at the end of the first half.
The reason for his booking was because he complained to the referee.
A new regulation brought in by UEFA means only the captains are allowed to communicate with the man in the middle.
Spain's skipper is Alvaro Morata, with Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal appointed vice-captain.
In the event that the goalkeeper is the captain of a national team, an outfield player can be nominated to be in regular dialogue with the referee.
As a result, Rodri will now be suspended for Spain's final Group B game against Albania after picking up consecutive yellow cards.
Roberto Rosetti, UEFA's managing director of refereeing, explained the new process in an open letter to fans.
"Being a referee in the modern game is very difficult," he said.
"The official in the middle takes between 200 to 250 decisions per match - that is one every 22 seconds - in difficult and sometimes controversial situations, under huge pressure, with each of them scrutinised and re-watched from multiple different angles by fans and pundits alike.
"Explaining a decision with up to 22 players mobbing you is impossible for a referee. It can lead to a breakdown in communication, with the beautiful game turning very ugly very quickly.
"Importantly, we want only the captain from the team who wishes to discuss a decision to be able to approach the referee."
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Josh Lawless