Football
ESPN staff 8y

Wales charged by UEFA over players celebrating with children on pitch

Wales have been charged by UEFA for allowing their players to bring their children onto the pitch to celebrate at Euro 2016, according to the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

Wales, who made it to the last four in France, celebrated their round-of-16 and quarterfinal victories over Northern Ireland and Belgium by bringing their kids onto the field after the full-time whistle.

UEFA said afterwards that there should be no more on-field family scenes as a stadium is "not the most safe place," and FAW Trust chief executive Neil Ward has since revealed that Wales are set to be punished by European football's governing body.

"We were disappointed," Ward is quoted as saying by Wales Online. "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."

Wales advanced to the semifinals of Euro 2016 in their first major tournament since 1958, eventually being eliminated by Portugal.

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