Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, has announced that Major League Soccer (MLS) have banned him from protecting his client on the pitch.
He explained that, as part of his duties, he is supposed to be present on the pitch, especially on the touchline, to safeguard the Argentine captain from being approached by pitch invaders.
The former United States (US) Navy SEAL noted that he disagrees with the ban, as it puts Messi at risk while playing on the pitch in case of an invasion.
Speaking in an interview with House of Highlights, Cheuko fumed about the ban, indicating that the situation was different when the Inter Miami player was playing in Europe.
“They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore. I was in Europe for seven years, working for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch. I arrived in the United States, and in 20 months of work, 16 people have already invaded the pitch.
“There’s a huge problem here. I’m not the problem. Let me help Messi. I love MLS and CONCACAF, but we have to work together. I love helping. I’m not better than anyone, but I have a wealth of experience in Europe. It’s fine, I understand their decision, but I think we could do better,” he said.
The MLS took the decision after Cheuko went viral on several occasions with his rapid sprints from the touchline when invaders approached the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The association, unhappy with the incidents, decided to bar the bodyguard from stepping foot on the pitch, as the league authorities will have full control of the matchday security but allowed him to fulfil his duties off the pitch.
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