Spain’s Alvaro Morata and Rodri are reportedly facing a two-match ban for their chants about Gibraltar during their Euro 2024 trophy parade.
Spain came out victorious in the Euro 2024 final as they beat England in Berlin and as they celebrated their first major trophy since 2012, Rodri and Morata made a few chants insinuating that Gibraltar belonged to Spain instead of the United Kingdom. This has been a political issue between the two countries and UEFA believes the chants have breached their regulations and have therefore launched the investigation.
According to Marca, the two players could be banned for two games if UEFA decides to sanction them.
Located in the southernmost point of Spain, Gibraltar has been a British overseas territory for more than three centuries. Spain has always maintained that Gibraltar belongs in Spanish territory and has disputed British control over it. Gibraltar, according to Spain, is a remnant of colonialism and ought to be brought back under Spanish authority. The UK’s exit from the EU has added to the complexity of the issue, notably in terms of the free movement of people and products across borders.
In a statement released on Friday, the Gibraltar FA noted: “The Gibraltar FA has noted the extremely provocative and insulting nature of the celebrations around the Spanish Men’s national team winning Euro 2024.
“The Association is this morning taking advice on the filing of a complaint to European Football’s governing body, UEFA, in relation to the unacceptable chanting and songs, relating to Gibraltar, sung by Spain’s Men’s National Team players after winning Euro 2024.
“Football has no place for behaviour of this nature.”
In a statement made on Friday morning, UEFA noted: “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector is being appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations by the players Rodrigo Hernández Cascante and Álvaro Morata in the context of conduct that occurred during the public presentation of the Uefa Euro 2024 trophy in Madrid on 15 July 2024.
“Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”
Rodri will return to Manchester City after a short break as he will look to continue his top form with the club. Morata, on the other hand, made the move to AC Milan and will soon begin training with his new club.
