Rodri Hit with Ban Under New Rule, Set to Miss Spain’s Clash Against Albania

• Spain midfielder Rodri will miss Spain’s last 2024 European Championship group game against Albania at Düsseldorf Arena on Monday, June 24
• The Manchester City man became the first player in the tournament to be booked after protesting to the referee during Spain’s tie against Italy
• Spain defeated Italy 1-0 on Thursday evening and are now on top of Group B with 6 points having defeated Croatia 3-0 in their opening game

Spain international Rodri has become the first player to face suspension under a new rule implemented for Euro 2024.

The 27-year-old received a yellow card during Spain’s 3-0 victory over Croatia after conceding a penalty by bringing down Bruno Petkovic, who was on the verge of scoring.

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The Manchester City midfielder anchored Spain’s midfield again in their match against Italy, where he was cautioned just before halftime.

The former Atletico Madrid star was yellow-carded for complaining to the referee.

A recently introduced UEFA regulation stipulates that only team captains are permitted to speak with referees during the game.

As a result of receiving yellow cards in consecutive matches, Rodri is now suspended for Spain’s final Group B match against Albania.

Spain’s captain is Alvaro Morata, with Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid serving as vice-captain.

If the goalkeeper is the team’s captain, an outfield player can be designated to communicate with the referee.

According to Sport Bible, UEFA’s managing director of refereeing, Roberto Rosetti, detailed this new approach in an open letter to fans.

“Being a referee in today’s game is extremely challenging,” he stated. “The referee makes between 200 to 250 decisions per match—approximately one every 22 seconds—in challenging and often contentious situations, all under immense pressure and intense scrutiny from various angles by fans and commentators.

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“Attempting to explain decisions while surrounded by up to 22 players is impossible for a referee. This can lead to communication breakdowns and can quickly turn the beautiful game into an unpleasant spectacle.”

Spain beat Italy to reach last 16

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Spain qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a match to spare on Thursday after beating Italy 1-0 in a dominant display which ensured that La Roja would go through as Group B winners.

Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal nine minutes after half-time was the difference between the two sides at Gelsenkirchen in the biggest match to date at the tournament in Germany.

But the slender margin of victory didn’t reflect a statement performance from Spain who completely nullified Italy and should have had the game won by half-time, as they did in their opening round thumping of Croatia.