'SCANDALOUS'
RTE pundits call for drastic punishment for pitch invaders after scary Alvaro Morata injury in Euro 2024 semi-final
Spain striker Alvaro Morata suffered a worrying injury after a freak incident involving a pitch invader
DIETMAR HAMANN and Shay Given have called for lifetime bans for pitch invaders.
They were speaking on RTE after Spain's 2-1 win over France in the Euro 2024 semi-final.
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During the celebrations, a fan got onto the pitch and ran towards the congregated Spanish players.
They were tackled by security, but for one guard to accidentally slip and clatter into Spain striker Alvaro Morata, who appeared to suffer a knee injury as a result.
Reacting in fury, Hamann proclaimed: "If somebody runs onto the pitch, I would ban them for life because it is premeditated.
"There is no reason. He can't say, 'oh, it was heat of the moment'.
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"We have seen it at this tournament far too often. We must have had 15 or 20 pitch invaders.
"If somebody goes onto the pitch, obviously it is no good for the Spanish team or Morata now, I would ban them for life."
This sentiment was shared by ex-Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given, who expressed hope that the Atletico Madrid star will be okay for the final.
Luis de la Fuente's men will face one of England or the Netherlands on Sunday.
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And Given said: "There are no repercussions and Didi is right, he should be banned for life.
"If Morata misses the final on the back of that, after doing so well as a team, because if you look at it again, his leg is planted and his knee twists as he goes through the back of him.
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"Totally accidental from the security guy but that can be tricky.
"He is struggling walking off the pitch.
"We don't know, it has only just happened, but fingers crossed he makes the final.
"You see him walking off, he is in a lot of discomfort, he's in a lot of pain.
"You are sort of touching wood, lighting candles, whatever, that he makes the final."
Their fellow RTE pundit Stephen Kelly said that the prospect of Morata missing the Euro 2024 final because of a fan encroaching on the field of play would be "scandalous".
He said: "It is ridiculous, that is the Spanish captain.
"If he is to miss the final due to a person breaking onto the pitch and a security guard sliding into him, it is absolutely ridiculous.
"Like the lads said, a lifetime ban for that person. They are celebrating with their fans, they are trying to enjoying the moment.
"You have just got to a major tournament final, you can't be thinking about that."