SPAIN broke a little-known law after Lamine Yamal featured in his nation’s Euro 2024 success.
The winger, who turned 17 on Saturday, played 89 minutes as La Roja beat England 2-1 in Berlin to lift their record fourth Euros.
Yamal was subsequently named the young player of the tournament following his stellar performances in Germany.
But the Barcelona winger reportedly broke a German employment law while at Euro 2024, according to German outlet Bild.
It’s claimed that under-18s in the country are not allowed to work past 8pm local time.
Athletes are given exemptions allowing them to play until 11pm.
But this must include all post-match exercises including showering and media obligations.
As Germany is an hour ahead of the UK, it means the final kicked off at 9pm local time and the celebrations went well into midnight.
Yamal was interviewed with Williams by beIN SPORTS France after the game, with Spain’s celebrations continuing beyond 11pm.
There had been concerns that Yamal may not have been permitted to continue playing had the game gone to extra time.
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The report stated If the Spanish team broke the rules they could reportedly be hit with a fine of up to £25,390 for the infraction.
They would, however, not face any sporting sanctions.
COLE PALMER came off the bench to be England’s star man – but his heroics were unable to stop heartbreak against Spain, writes Tom Barclay.
Mikel Oyarzabal struck a late dagger through the hearts of the Three Lions to seal a 2-1 Spanish victory.
And that ensured that 58 years of hurt will go on.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated each England player in the crushing defeat:
Jordan Pickford: 8
Carefully controlled a blast of a backpass from John Stones on his line in the first half. Could do little to stop Williams’ opener but made two terrific stops to deny Yamal, only for Oyarzabal to poke home at the death.
Kyle Walker: 6
Had his hands full with Williams but managed the Spanish livewire pretty well but could not get near his powerful opener.
John Stones: 8
A colossus again as he played every single minute of this Euros, despite lack of Manchester City game-time. Superb block on early Williams shot, was often in the right place at the right time and at one point dribbled all the way up the pitch.
Marc Guehi: 6
Solid alongside Stones and overall it has been a brilliant first tournament for the Crystal Palace star. But Oyarzabal nicked in front of him for the winner.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Most consistent attacker for England across the tournament and had a good battle with pantomime villain Marc Cucurella here. It was his cross that Bellingham laid off for Palmer to work his magic.
Declan Rice: 7
Went past his boss Gareth Southgate’s cap haul by winning his 58th here and he is still only 25. Was in the thick of it in the midfield battle throughout.
Kobbie Mainoo: 5
Just 19 and starting a major final for England in the middle of midfield. Fewer bursts forward though than in recent games as his side struggled for possession and was subbed for Palmer as Southgate searched for a leveller.
Luke Shaw: 7
Looked so sharp for a player making his first start since Luton away on February 10, winning his battle against Lamine Yamal in the first half. But Yamal got the better of him after the break to tee up Williams’ opener.
Phil Foden: 6
Out of possession it was his job to man-mark Manchester City colleague Rodri, until the Spanish maestro went off injured at half-time. Had a half-chance just before the break but could not beat Unai Simon.
Jude Bellingham: 7
Shunted wide left when England did not have the ball – which was a lot of the time. Riskily flew into a few tackles, but it was his clever lay-off that teed up Palmer.
Harry Kane: 4
His lack of involvement was summed up by England fans calling for Ollie Watkins in the 57th minute. They got their wish on the hour.
SUBS:
Ollie Watkins: 6
Semi-final hero was introduced far earlier here to get some legs in behind, though he did not have too much impact this time.
Cole Palmer: 9
What an impact after emerging with just twenty minutes to go. Yet another of Southgate’s subs paid off handsomely as Palmer curled a peach of an equaliser with 17 minutes remaining, sending most of the Olympiastadion potty.
Ivan Toney: 6
Thrown on right at the end but could not make an impact.
Gareth Southgate: 7
The game was a chess match for the first half and Southgate was never going to go early with his bold moves.
His subs were excellent to be fair, with Palmer brilliantly getting his team back into it.
Critics will say England did not play attacking enough but Spain are one hell of a side – and Southgate’s men pushed them all the way.
During Euro 2024, Yamal scored once – a superb strike against France in the semi-finals – and also provided four assists.
One of those assists came in the final as Yamal set up fellow winger Nico Williams to open the scoring in the 47th minute.
Cole Palmer equalised for England before Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winner for Spain.
Meanwhile Yamal was awarded Young Player of the Tournament for his breakthrough showing over the last month.
