The Euro 2024 group stage witnessed a historic game between Turkey and Czech Republic, with a record-breaking 18 cards issued. This Group F match highlighted the significance of disciplinary rules in the tournament, particularly yellow card accumulation. The game saw two red cards, including the earliest dismissal in European Championship history for Czech Republic’s Antonin Barak, and a post-match red card for Tomas Chory, alongside 16 yellow cards. With such stringent officiating, understanding the regulations surrounding yellow cards is crucial for both players and fans following Euro 2024.
This article breaks down the yellow card rules at Euro 2024, detailing how they lead to suspensions and impact player availability throughout the tournament. We also identify key players who are currently on yellow cards and potentially facing suspension, keeping you updated on which players are walking a disciplinary tightrope.
Euro 2024 Yellow Card Rules: How Suspensions Work
UEFA’s regulations for Euro 2024 stipulate that a player accumulating yellow cards in two separate matches will incur a one-game suspension. This rule applies across the group stage, round of 16, and quarter-finals. Crucially, these accumulated yellow cards are reset after the quarter-finals. This means any player who has picked up a single yellow card, or even no yellow cards, going into the semi-finals starts with a clean slate regarding yellow card accumulation. However, receiving a red card in the semi-final will still result in a suspension from the Euro 2024 final.
The suspension rule isn’t limited to players; team officials are also subject to suspension after receiving two cautions, and again after a fourth. This broad application of disciplinary measures underscores UEFA’s commitment to maintaining order and fair play throughout the tournament.
In cases of a red card, the standard penalty is a one-match suspension. However, UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body reserves the right to extend this suspension if deemed necessary, depending on the severity of the offense.
Marc Guehi of England receives a yellow card, highlighting Euro 2024 player yellow card accumulation and suspension rules.
New Referee Approach Rule and Yellow Cards
Euro 2024 has also introduced a significant rule change concerning player interaction with referees. To reduce pressure on match officials and encourage respectful dialogue, only the team captain is permitted to approach the referee to question decisions. Any other player approaching the referee risks receiving a yellow card.
This initiative, announced by UEFA managing director of refereeing Roberto Rosetti, aims to streamline communication and prevent the chaotic scenes of multiple players surrounding referees. Referees have been instructed to explain key decisions to team captains, fostering better understanding and communication. Teams have been explicitly warned about this new directive, and non-compliance will be met with yellow cards for the offending players. If the team captain is a goalkeeper, an outfield player must be designated to fulfill this communication role with the referee.
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Euro 2024 Players on Yellow Card Watch
Here’s a breakdown of teams and players who are currently navigating Euro 2024 with the risk of suspension due to yellow card accumulation.
Teams with No Players Currently on Yellow Cards:
- England
- Spain
- France
- Netherlands
Players Who Have Served or Are Serving a Suspension:
This section highlights players who have already served a suspension due to yellow card accumulation or red cards, or are currently serving one during the knockout stages.
Knockouts
Group A
Group B
- Rodri — Spain
- Riccardo Calafiori — Italy
Group C
Group D
Group E
Group F
Players Sent Off (Red Card Suspensions)
These players received red cards during Euro 2024 matches, resulting in suspensions.
- Ryan Porteous — Scotland
- Antonin Barak — Czech Republic
- Tomas Chory — Czech Republic
- Dani Carvajal — Spain
- Bertug Yildirim — Turkey
Understanding the yellow card rules and keeping track of players on caution is essential for following Euro 2024. As the tournament progresses through the knockout stages, the risk of suspension becomes even more critical, potentially impacting team selections and match outcomes. Stay informed to follow all the disciplinary twists and turns of Euro 2024.
