http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KW4e-CGkE8

Incredible footage has emerged of Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas asking the Euro 2012 final's referee to blow the whistle out of respect for their defeated opponents Italy. Surprisingly, the ref obliged.

With a ten-man Italy being run ragged by substitute Fernando Torres - who provided the third goal and an assist for the fourth - Spain's captain can be seen on camera displaying an astounding level of fair play.

Knowing that a knackered Italy could face further indignity during stoppage time, Casillas was moved to attract the game's assistant referee and ask for the match to be stopped immediately. In the clip above, Casillas can be seen repeatedly shouting "Ref!" before pleading: "Respect for the rival, respect for Italy. It's 4-0, yes?"

Unfortunately, both the main referee and assistant referee are out of shot after the request, though within seconds the final whistle is blown - which sadly ruled out an unlikely five-goal comeback for Italy within three minutes.

Casillas then shakes the hand of the assistant referee and begins to celebrate his 100th victory between the sticks for Spain, his third international trophy in six years and a night with his improbably hot girlfriend Sara Carabonero. What a guy.