EURO 2024
What are the suspension rules for yellow cards in Euro 2024?
Spain midfielder Rodri was the first player to incur a yellow card suspension after being booked in La Roja’s first two group games.
Players taking part in Euro 2024 must be on their best behaviour from matchday two of the group stage onwards, the earliest point at which suspension rules related to yellow cards lead to bans.
Euro 2024 yellow card suspension rules
Any player who is shown two yellow cards up to and including the quarter-finals much serve an immediate one-match suspension. That means players who are booked in the opening two group games will miss the third one, while receiving a second caution in the quarter-finals will result in the offender being banned for the semi-finals.
Spain midfielder Rodri became the first player to fall foul of the tournament’s suspension rules, with yellow cards in La Roja’s first two games against Croatia and Italy forcing him to miss the final Group B clash against Albania.
The rules mean there is even the possibility of a player being suspended on two separate occasions, should they be yellow carded in the opening two group games, and then again in the round of 16 and quarter-finals.
When are yellow cards reset in Euro 2024?
Accumulated yellow cards are wiped from players’ records following the conclusion of the quarter-finals, with the aim of reducing the likelihood of suspensions in the final. The only way a player can be banned for the Euro 2024 final is if they receive a red card (directly, or two yellows) in the semi-finals.
What are the suspension rules for red cards in Euro 2024?
As is almost always the case in the majority of competitions, any player who is sent off is automatically given a one-match suspension for his team’s next fixture. The length of the ban could be increased if UEFA feel the offence committed warrants it. For instance, Scotland defender Ryan Porteous’ had his sanction upgraded to two matches after his reckless challenge on Germany’s Ilkay Gündogan in the tournament’s opening game.
UEFA clampdown on players approaching referees
UEFA have ordered referees to clamp down on players approaching them and showing dissent at Euro 2024, with team captains the only players allowed to communicate with officials, according to the new guidelines. Rodri’s second yellow card of the tournament against Italy, which incurred his suspension, was precisely for this reason.