After Spain’s star player Rodri somehow escaped a red card during Spain’s Euro 2024 victory against Croatia, football fans were left perplexed.

La Roja started their campaign with an absolutely impressive win over a nation that has been moving up to the final stages of big events on a regular basis.

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Alvaro Morata gave La Roja the lead just before halftime, and three minutes later, Fabian Ruiz extended the lead, bringing the game to a close.

At the stroke of halftime, Dani Carvajal headed Spain’s third goal, meaning the second half was essentially a formality.

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 With ten minutes remaining, Croatia earned a penalty after Bruno Petkovic was fouled with the entire goal at his disposal, barely seven yards out, posing a danger to pull themselves back into the match.

Referee Michael Oliver startled spectators by handing the Manchester City pivot only a yellow card for what seemed to be a blatant “professional foul.”

VAR Stuart Atwell examined and confirmed Oliver’s decision, concluding that his countryman had adhered to the most recent revisions to the IFAB regulations.

Rodri was lucky not to have been sent off for a foul on Bruno Petkovic

Perisic complained to the referee on a regular basis.

Football officials dislike sending players off the pitch when they are judged to have made a legitimate attempt to win the ball, whether or not it results in a clear opportunity to score a goal.

Rodri would have most likely received his marching orders and missed Spain’s next two games as a result of his challenge just two seasons ago.

But with the new, more liberal rules, it would only take the cynicalest of challenges for a side to be put in double risk of receiving a red card and a penalty for the same offence.

Meanwhile, Petkovic’s penalty was saved by Unai Simon, adding to Croatia’s displeasure, and his subsequent successful follow-through was disallowed because a teammate inadvertently stepped in as he ran up to take his spot kick.