Iker Casillas asked ref to end Euro 2012 final early out of respect

Spain captain Iker Casillas pleaded with a UEFA match official to end Sunday's Euro 2012 final early out of respect for opponents Italy.

In second-half stoppage time, with Spain leading 4-0 and Italy down to 10 men as a result of Thiago Motta's injury, the Real Madrid goalkeeper approached the Portuguese fifth official behind his goal.

Casillas shouted: "Ref, respect for the rival. Respect for Italia. It's 4-0."

Referee Pedro Proenca, who was 50 yards away and seemingly oblivious to this conversation, then blew the final whistle almost instantaneously.

Since falling behind to an Antonio Di Natale strike in their Group C opener, Spain did not concede in 509 minutes of play - a new European championship record.

Italy's Dino Zoff was the previous record-holder on 494 minutes.