City’s Rodri and Morata Under Fire for Chanting “Gibraltar is Spanish”
Manchester City’s Rodri and Alvaro Morata are facing potential disciplinary action from UEFA after a celebratory chant following Spain’s Euro 2024 victory sparked controversy.
During a public celebration in Madrid, the two players were filmed singing “Gibraltar is Spanish,” prompting a formal complaint from the Gibraltar Football Association (GFA). UEFA has since confirmed an investigation into the incident.
According to a UEFA statement, “an ethics and disciplinary inspector is being appointed” to evaluate a potential violation of their regulations regarding “non-sporting nature” conduct. Article 11 (c) of the regulations specifically prohibits such behavior during sporting events.
The controversy stems from Gibraltar’s unique political status. A British Overseas Territory bordering Spain, Gibraltar has repeatedly voted to remain under British rule. The GFA considers the chant a blatant disregard for Gibraltar’s democratic right to self-determination and an attack on their legitimacy as a UEFA member association.
“The conduct in question is deeply offensive to Gibraltarians,” the GFA stated, highlighting their democratic choices and existing relationship with Spain. They emphasized that Gibraltar is, and will remain, a British Overseas Territory, and their membership in UEFA is independent.
Gibraltar, a British possession since 1713, is geographically located within Spain, but Spain has long claimed sovereignty over the territory. Despite the dispute, Gibraltar has been a full UEFA member since 2013, participating in both World Cup and European Championship qualifiers.
Rodri and Morata’s celebratory act has ignited a firestorm, potentially leading to UEFA sanctions. Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph might be overshadowed by this political controversy. Will UEFA punish the players, or will the incident be a footnote in Spain’s historic victory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the celebratory mood has been dampened by this unexpected controversy.