Spain’s captain, Alvaro Morata, is surprisingly starting in the crucial Euro 2024 semifinal clash against Kylian Mbappe’s France at the Munich football arena. Morata had received a yellow card in the round of 16 game against Georgia, putting him at risk of suspension with another yellow card before the semifinal. While he was substituted without a card in the quarterfinal against Germany, the referee, Anthony Taylor, appeared to show Morata a yellow card while he was on the sidelines. This led to initial reports suggesting Morata was suspended for the semifinal against France. However, despite broadcasters and the UEFA website initially showing a suspension, it was later clarified that this was a mistake. The yellow card was subsequently removed from Morata’s record, with UEFA confirming that the referee had not actually shown the card. This cleared Morata’s path for selection in the semifinal clash.
It’s worth noting that in Euro 2024, two yellow cards result in a one-game suspension. Players also face suspension after accumulating four yellow cards. All yellow cards are reset at the end of the quarterfinal stage, meaning no player carries a yellow card into the semifinal. However, a second yellow card received in the quarterfinal would lead to a missed semifinal appearance. Furthermore, a red card results in a direct red card and an automatic suspension for the next match.
