Jump to content

 

 

Recommended Posts

Wales charged by UEFA over players bringing their children onto the pitch to celebrate Euro 2016 triumphs

 

13:33, 9 Jul 2016

Updated 13:38, 9 Jul 2016

By Jon Doel

 

There were complaints from UEFEA officials and it has now been revealed the FAW were actually charged by the Euro 2016 organisers.

 

Wales have been charged by UEFA for allowing their players to bring their children onto the pitch to celebrate their Euro 2016 successes.

 

During the tournament there were wonderful scenes as the likes of Gareth Bale shared the special triumphs over Northern Ireland and Belgium with their families in front of thrilled supporters.

 

But there were complaints from UEFA officials ahead of the semi-final against Portugal, and it has now been revealed the FAW were charged by the Euro 2016 organisers.

 

It is understood the case was actually heard on Thursday, with Wales handed a warning over future conduct at matches.

 

FAW Trust chief executive Neil Ward confirmed: "We were disappointed. I think we understand security issues around all games. In fact the FAW has been charged by UEFA on that but we put in a lot of mitigation around this because obviously it is about that future generation and that inclusivity.

 

"I think it was hugely popular among the people in the ground to see those young kids on the pitch. Some of those goals that were scored in front of the fans (by the kids) got as big a cheer as some of the other goals scored in the game. It was just magical to see and it again shows you the openness and togetherness of this squad.

 

"I think the players have blown away those myths of the modern professional player. They have shown huge courage, huge passion, leadership, friendliness and embraced the family ethic as well," he said during the BBC's live coverage of Friday's homecoming parade.

 

Superstar Bale was the first to break the rules following the knockout victory over Northern Ireland. The Real Madrid man played with three-year-old daughter Alba Violet on the pitch after the game, while other players' kids also took to the field for an impromptu kickabout.

 

The scenes endeared the team to the Welsh nation and the wider world, but officials were less than impressed.

 

The 3-1 quarter-final win over Belgium also saw the likes of Neil Taylor and Hal Robson-Kanu celebrate with their young children draped around them.

 

UEFA tournament director Martin Kallen had earlier said: “It is a European Championship not a family party.

 

"A stadium is not the most safe place for small kids.

 

“It is nice pictures. We are not 100% against it but we are cautious.

 

“It is getting more and more a habit that entire family members would like to go on the pitch or into the technical area. The principle is how far you go with having other people on the pitch than the players. People with accreditation cards should be on the pitch and not more.”

 

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wales-charged-uefa-over-players-11591535

Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, yes. It is utterly more save to keep the weans at home ... but if they are already in the stands, they are equally un-/safe in the hands of their fathers. At the end of the day, the stewards and security folk will get castigated for it - as per usual - for being human here.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Weans on the park, 5,000 Hibs fans on the park. What's the difference?

 

I have to admit I find it absurd that players bring their kids on to the park. What is the reason behind it apart from "look what Papa has done" I hope they ban it . It is total feel good bullshit that the kids have nothing to do with. Let them pick up some handicapped children to parade around with.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Dunno, in this day and age of over-protected children (at least over here), it either steels them up mentally, or they freak out for good. But as you say, occasions such as this can overwhelm a full-grown person, so no need to put the weans (handicapped or not) through this.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.


×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.