By Andrew Warshaw in Paris
June 10 – As if contending with the unprecedented security operation wasn’t a big enough headache for Euro 2016 organisers, striking train drivers are causing mayhem.
Services to and from the Stade de France – where tonight’s opening match takes place – have been wiped out leaving thousands of bemused fans, other tourists and Parisians perplexed, frustrated and angry as they hunt for alternative means of transport.
Fortunately the underground Metro line has been largely unaffected but suburban trains are a key part of the capital’s transport infrastructure and the strikes have now rolled into a 10th day – a source of immense embarrassment for the authorities.
The new rules of law
Football’s new laws are being put to their first major test at Euro 2016. A new rule book compiled by the International Football Association Board came into effect on June 1 and includes amending the highly controversial ‘triple punishment’ rule which previously involved dismissal, a penalty and a suspension for the denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
Now referees will give a yellow card when offences in the area that do not constitute serious foul play are committed.
UEFA chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina said: “UEFA has been trying to change this rule for many years… the change restores fairness as the punishment of penalty, red card and suspension was too harsh when there was a genuine attempt to win the ball. The penalty kick sees the goal-scoring opportunity restored. It is too much when a player tries to do his job but arrives just a bit late.”
Forward play, no dummies
Among other changes, teams no longer have to pass the ball forward at kick-off; players also no longer have to leave the field if they receive treatment following a yellow or red-card offence; and players can be sent off before the start of play – for an incident in the tunnel, for example, though in such circumstances a substitute can be used. And penalty takers feigning to shoot in their run-up in obvious cases of deception will be booked with no re-take allowed.
Balls on the line
The competition will also mark the first time that goal-line technology will be used for a senior UEFA tournament in tandem with additional additional referees.
“Now, with GLT focused on the goal-line, the additional assistants can focus exclusively on the control of other incidents in the penalty area – the most crucial area of the pitch,” said Collina.
Peace in our time? Pelé and Maradona show some love
Football’s two most famous legends Pelé and Diego Maradona, who have never seen eye to eye, appeared to bury the hatchet on the eve of the European Championship when they came together to to take part in a one-off five-a-side match in Paris.
The Brazil and Argentina icons put their differences to one side at a so-called “Match of Friendship” organised by Hublot watches who enlisted them to coach two teams of former stars on an AstroTurf pitch set up in a courtyard of the 17th-century Palais Royal in central Paris.
The two superstars walked out hand in hand, with Pelé using a cane as he is recovering from hip surgery.
“I want to thank Pele, we know who he is and who he will always be. We need icons like him,” said Maradona while Pele struck an equally conciliatory tone.
“The most important is the message of peace. Many thanks to my friend Maradona for this opportunity and a big round of applause to the players who have been here today,” he said. “This is a moment of peace.”
Maradona – wearing his trademark number 10 shirt – joined his team for the second half of the 30-minute game, scoring a penalty and intentionally scoring an own goal so that the match ended all square.
Pele repeatedly embraced old foe in front of the cameras and dismissed talk of acrimony. “The problem is between Argentina and Brazil in football, but Maradona and I don’t have a problem,” he said.
Andrew Warshaw is on the loose in France and will be contributing a diary throughout the Euro 2016 Championships. Contact him at moc.l1714322038labto1714322038ofdlr1714322038owedi1714322038sni@w1714322038ahsra1714322038w.wer1714322038dna1714322038