Spain lifts Euro 2012 social media ban

Published Jun. 4, 2012 4:24 p.m. ET

foxsports

Spain's social media ban lasted just three days, yet the players' online return has had a hair-raising effect.

Several players from the European and World Cup champion tweeted Friday that the team was going offline as coach Vicente del Bosque wanted complete focus on the task of defending the European Championship title over posting messages or photos to Twitter and Facebook.

But on Monday, Spain internationals Cesc Fabregas, Juan Mata, Iker Casillas and Victor Valdes were among those messaging fans and followers that the social media ban had been lifted.

But none of those tweets had the effect of Sergio Ramos' return to the web.

The 26-year-old Real Madrid defender revealed a new look, shedding the characteristic shoulder-length locks that have accompanied him since his Spanish league debut for Sevilla at 17.

''Well, it's time to reveal my new change of look, the mane is over for the Euro. I hope you all like it ... And if not, it'll grow on you'' Ramos tweeted, posting two photos of his cut which was more Justin Bieber than his normally slick look.

None of the players revealed why the U-turn had been approved, preferring to relish their return to online.

''Good news! Finally we are allowed to use social networks so we will be in contact during the Euro Cup! We keep in touch!'' Fabregas wrote on Twitter.

Casillas posted pictures of himself and defender Raul Albiol on the team bus following Sunday's 1-0 friendly win over China, and Albiol commented on Paul Pierce's play in Boston's NBA playoff victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday.

Valdes announced his Twitter account had surpassed 1 million followers, almost the same number boasted by Mata, who wrote that he is looking forward to Spain's Group C opener against Italy on Sunday in Gdansk, Poland.

''Win in our last friendly match before Euro! I can't wait for the match against Italy! Hugs friends!!'' Mata wrote.

Denmark coach Morten Olsen has banned his players from using Twitter. His team looks to be in the most difficult group, alongside the Netherlands, Germany and Portugal.

---

Paul Logothetis can be reached at: www.twitter.com/PaulLogoAP