UEFA Charges Morata and Rodri for 'Gibraltar is Spanish' Chant
Spain captain Alvaro Morata and team-mate Rodri are facing disciplinary action from Uefa after their involvement in chanting "Gibraltar is Spanish" during the celebrations following their Euro 2024 victory. The Gibraltar Football Association (GFA) registered an official complaint with Uefa, resulting in the appointment of a disciplinary inspector to investigate a potential breach of Uefa's disciplinary regulations. BBC reported.
Morata and Rodri have been charged with multiple infractions, including violating the general principles of conduct, engaging in non-sporting manifestations during sporting events, and bringing Uefa and the sport of football into disrepute. The control, ethics, and disciplinary body (CEDB) of Uefa will make a verdict on the matter in due course.
Gibraltar, located in the southern region of Spain, has been under British jurisdiction since the 18th Century. Spain has persistently called for its return, making the chant particularly contentious.
The incident occurred during the celebratory event in Cibeles Square, Madrid, where tens of thousands of Spain supporters congregated to applaud their team's 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final. Manchester City midfielder Rodri, 28, was observed leading the chant, while AC Milan striker Morata, 31, further encouraged the crowd to join in.
In response, the Gibraltar FA strongly condemned Spain's celebratory behavior, labeling it as "extremely provocative and insulting." The association emphasized that such conduct has no place in football.
Gibraltar became a full member of Uefa in 2013, solidifying its connection with European football. UEFA has now initiated an investigation into the incident involving Morata and Rodri and will determine appropriate consequences under Article 11 of its disciplinary code. The charges cover the basic rules of conduct, usage of sporting events for non-sporting demonstrations, and the harmful impact on the image of the sport.
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