UEFA have banned Alvaro Morata and Rodri for one game after an offensive chant against Gibraltar. Spain lifted the Euro 2024 trophy after defeating England in the finals.
In the celebrations that followed, the pair were seen leading the chant of “Gibraltar es Espanyol” among fans. And the Gibraltar FA have been left deeply offended at the incident that followed, concluding that it was an unnecessary mixing of discriminatory behaviour in football.
UEFA ban Alvaro Morata and Rodri for one game after offensive chanting
🚨🇪🇸 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | UEFA have banned Rodri & Morata for one match after chanting 'Gibraltar is Spanish' after they won EURO 2024. ❌👨⚖️ pic.twitter.com/xjfzJbrv6y
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) August 7, 2024
“The core issue at hand was the inappropriate and inflammatory nature of the chants, which not only disrespected the people of Gibraltar but also brought politics into a sporting arena, undermining the values of unity and respect that the sport embodies.
“The Gibraltar FA is pleased that UEFA has acknowledged the severity of this incident and has acted accordingly. This decision sends a clear message that football must remain a platform for promoting peace, understanding, and fair play, free from divisive and offensive actions such as the chants,” the official statement from the Gibraltar FA read.
“We remain committed to upholding these values and will continue to advocate for respect within the sport.
UEFA have issued one-match bans to both Rodri & Álvaro Morata for chants about Gibraltar during Spain's #EURO2024 celebrations ⛔️
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 7, 2024
The pair will miss Spain's next international game against Serbia in September… pic.twitter.com/r0PabIA936
As a result of the ban, the pair will be suspended for Spain’s next international fixture against Serbia in September.
Gibraltar, located right to the South of Spain, has been under British rule for around 300 years. However, they continue to resist any claims from the Spanish. They joined UEFA in 2013 and have been participating in qualifying rounds since.
