By Victor Kanayo
From Spain comes a report that Lionel Messi’s bodyguard Yassine Cheuko is no longer allowed to protect his boss while on pitch.
Cheuko who revealed this while speaking to Spanish media said he has been banned from protecting the Argentine forward from the touchline during Inter Miami matches.
“They don’t allow me to be on the field anymore,” the bodyguard was quoted as saying by Spanish media.
“I was in Europe for seven years, working for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch. I came to the USA and in just 20 months 16 people have already done so. There’s a huge problem here, let me help Messi.”
Cheuko gained widespread recognition after social media videos showed him closely watching the crowd to stop potential pitch invaders from harming the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Reacting, Major League Soccer (MLS) said its protocols regarding team security guards had not changed and multiple sides had designated team security guards that are stationed near team benches on the field.
