Portugal’s Rafael Leao banned from Euro 2024 after two yellow cards for diving

Rafael Leao will miss Portugal’s final group match at Euro 2024 due to suspension after receiving two yellow cards for diving.

The 25-year-old winger received his second booking of the tournament in the 39th minute of his team’s match against Turkey after referee Felix Zwayer ruled he had dived.

In Dortmund he was substituted at half-time and replaced by Pedro Neto from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The AC Milan man was also booked for simulation in Portugal’s first group match, when he received a yellow card in the 39th minute of their 2-1 win over the Czech Republic on June 18.

Leao will be suspended for Portugal’s final Group F match against Georgia on Wednesday.

He is the first player in the history of the tournament to receive several yellow cards for a simulation at a single European Championship tournament.

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At the 2024 European Championship, players will be suspended for one match if they receive a yellow card in two separate matches.

In addition to players, team officials will also be suspended for the next competitive match after two and again after the fourth warning.

This means that if a player receives two yellow cards in the group stage, the round of 16 and the quarter-finals, he will be suspended for the semi-finals if his team advances.

Accumulated yellow cards will be reset after the quarter-finals. Players can only be suspended for the final if they receive a red card in the semi-finals.

Leao has made 28 international appearances for Portugal since his debut in October 2021. He has scored four goals.

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