UEFA has charged Manchester City’s Rodri and AC Milan’s Alvaro Morata for their actions during the Euro 2024 celebrations. The Spain duo chanted “Gibraltar is Spanish” after their 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final, sparking controversy.
Rodri and Morata led the chant during a celebratory party in Madrid. This followed Spain’s triumph with Nico Williams scoring the opening goal and Mikel Oyarzabal delivering the late winner at the Olimpiastadion in Berlin. England, facing another defeat, returned home with heavy hearts while Spain’s players celebrated in their capital.
The controversy began when Rodri, named Player of the Tournament and a top contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, was seen chanting on stage in Madrid’s Cibeles Square. Morata escalated the situation by encouraging the crowd to join in.
The Gibraltar Football Association (GFA) lodged a complaint with UEFA, describing the celebrations as “extremely provocative and insulting.” The GFA emphasized that “football has no place for behaviour of this nature.”
UEFA responded by launching an investigation into “a potential violation of the UEFA disciplinary regulations.” Rodri and Morata now face serious charges, including violations of general principles of conduct, decent conduct, and bringing football and UEFA into disrepute.
UEFA confirmed that its control, ethics, and disciplinary body (CEDB) will decide the next steps “in due course.”
Gibraltar, a British territory since the 18th century, remains a point of contention between Spain and the UK. The recent actions by Rodri and Morata have only added fuel to this longstanding dispute.
