Rodri Suspended Under New Rule, Set to Miss Spain’s Clash Against Albania

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

Spanish international, Rodri, has become the first player to be hit with a suspension under a new rule implemented for the 2024 European Championship.

The 27-year-old received a yellow card during Spain’s 3-0 win over Croatia by bringing down Bruno Petkovic, who seemed to be 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 half-time.

The former Atletico Madrid star was ultimately yellow-carded for complaining to the referee during the game on June 20.

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,” Rosetti added.

Spain beat Italy to reach last 16

Sports Brief also reported that Spain qualified for Euro’s last 16 with a match to spare after beating Italy 1-0 in a dominant display that ensured La Roja would top Group B.

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.

A slender margin of victory didn’t reflect a statement performance from Spain, who completely nullified Italy and should have had the game done by the half-time whistle.