Euro 2024: Spain’s Rodri becomes first player suspended under new rule change

Spain midfielder Rodri will miss their final group match at Euro 2024 against Albania due to suspension.

Rodri received his second yellow card in consecutive games after being booked during La Roja’s 1-0 victory over Italy for protesting to the referee.

The 27-year-old was cautioned because only the team’s captain is permitted to speak to the referee. He had also received a yellow card in Spain’s 3-0 win against Croatia, resulting in his suspension for the match against Albania on Monday.

This rule, introduced at Euro 2024, aims to reduce instances of players surrounding the referee following decisions.