Disciplinary Proceedings Opened Against Spanish Players for Chanting “Gibraltar is Spanish”
Uefa has taken action against Spain captain Alvaro Morata and his teammate Rodri after they chanted “Gibraltar is Spanish” during their Euro 2024 victory celebrations. The Gibraltar Football Association (GFA) lodged an official complaint with Uefa, leading to disciplinary proceedings being opened. A disciplinary inspector has been appointed to assess whether the players violated Uefa’s disciplinary regulations.
The charges against Morata and Rodri include violating the general principles of conduct, breaching the basic rules of decent conduct, using sporting events for non-sporting purposes, and bringing Uefa and the sport of football into disrepute. The case will be reviewed by Uefa’s control, ethics, and disciplinary body (CEDB), who will determine the appropriate course of action.
The controversial chanting occurred during the celebrations in Cibeles Square, Madrid, on July 15th, where tens of thousands of Spain fans gathered to honor their team’s 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final. In a video, Rodri can be seen leading the chant, while Morata later encouraged the crowd to join in. The Gibraltar FA condemned Spain’s behavior, describing it as extremely provocative and insulting.
The incident highlights the ongoing dispute between Spain and Gibraltar regarding the territory’s sovereignty. Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located at Spain’s southern tip, under British rule since the 18th century. Spain has persistently claimed ownership of Gibraltar and demanded its return.
The Gibraltar FA, which became a full member of Uefa in 2013, emphasized that such behavior has no place in football. This incident has raised questions about the role of national celebrations and whether they should be solely focused on sporting achievements or used as a platform for political statements.
Uefa’s response to this incident will be closely watched, as it will set a precedent for similar situations in the future. The governing body has been increasingly proactive in addressing issues of conduct and ensuring that players and teams adhere to the principles of fair play and respect.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Uefa has dealt with political chants during football matches. In 2020, the Croatian Football Federation was fined for a similar incident involving their fans chanting fascist slogans during a Euro 2020 qualifier. Uefa’s measures are aimed at maintaining the integrity of the sport and promoting inclusivity, ensuring that football remains a unifying force rather than a platform for divisive ideologies.
In conclusion, Uefa’s decision regarding the disciplinary proceedings against Alvaro Morata and Rodri will have significant implications for the future of political statements in football celebrations. It remains to be seen how Uefa will balance freedom of expression with maintaining the spirit of fair play and respect in the sport.