UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Spain duo Alvaro Morata and Rodri after they chanted “Gibraltar is Spanish” during celebrations after beating England in the Euro 2024 final.
Morata and Rodri have been charged with “general principles of conduct, violating the basic rules of decent conduct, using sporting events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature, and bringing the sport of football, and Uefa in particular, into disrepute”.
It comes after the Gibraltar FA made an official complaint about the incident to UEFA.
UEFA’s control, ethics and disciplinary body (CEDB) will make a deicision on the issue in “due course”, with the potentially facing respective bans.
Gibraltar is an enclave at the southern tip of Spain which has been under British rule since the 18th centruy but its neighbours have long called for its return.
Breaking News – @UEFA charges Rodri & Alvaro Morata following @GibraltarFA complaint.
UEFA committee initiates disciplinary proceedings over “Gibraltar es Español” chants when presenting the Euros trophy in Madrid. pic.twitter.com/oggCqEnx3Q
— GBC News (@GBCNewsroom) July 23, 2024
The chanting took place in Cebeles Square on Monday, July 15, a day after they beat the Three Lions 2-1 in Germany.
In a video circulating online, Manchester City midfielder Rodri was seen chanting “Gibraltar is Spanish”, with La Roja captain Morata encouraging fans to join in.
The Gibraltar FA said it “noted the extremely provocative and insulting nature of the celebrations around the Spanish Men’s national team winning Euro 2024”, adding: “Football has no place for behaviour of this nature”.
Gibraltar has been a member of UEFA since 2013.
