Euro 2024: Can you tell me the number of players who are ineligible to play in the semi-finals due to suspension? Additionally, what are the regulations regarding yellow cards and player suspensions in the tournament?

Euro 2024 is reaching its climax with two exciting semi-final fixtures set to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, the journey to this stage has come at a cost for all four teams in terms of team selection.

When it comes to disciplinary actions, a player who receives a red card during any point of Euro 2024 will automatically face a one-match ban. The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has the authority to increase this punishment if they believe the offense warrants a harsher penalty. In the case of a player being sent off in the final, their suspension will carry over to their country’s next competitive match.

In terms of yellow cards, a player who accumulates two before the quarter-final stage will be suspended for one match. Additionally, if a player picks up four yellow cards before the quarter-finals, they will miss another match. This means that if a player receives two yellow cards in the group stage, round of 16, and quarter-finals, they will be ruled out for the semi-finals if their team progresses. However, any previously accumulated yellow cards will be wiped out, giving players a clean slate if they get booked in the semi-finals and making them available for the final.

Turning our attention to the players who will miss the Euro 2024 semi-finals due to suspension, Spain’s Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand will be absent from Tuesday’s clash against France. Le Normand received a yellow card in the 29th minute of their quarter-final match against Germany, resulting in his suspension. Carvajal, on the other hand, earned a yellow card in the 100th minute of that match, which would have been enough to see him miss the semi-final. However, he received a second yellow card for illegally stopping a late German getaway, sealing his fate.

There were initial concerns that Spain captain Alvaro Morata would also miss the semi-final after reports suggested he had received a second yellow card for celebrating Mikel Merino’s late winner. However, Morata later clarified that he had not been booked.

In terms of disciplinary rules at Euro 2024, UEFA has taken measures to crack down on any disrespect shown to the officials. Yellow cards will be issued to players who hound the referee, and only team captains are allowed to approach the officials and discuss decisions. If a goalkeeper is the team captain, an outfield player can be nominated to fulfill this role.

Fortunately for England, no players will miss the semi-finals due to suspension. Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo, and Kieran Trippier were all walking a disciplinary tightrope before the quarter-final against Switzerland on Saturday but have managed to avoid any bookings and remain available for Wednesday’s match.