Two Spanish players ‘facing UEFA ban’ after Gibraltar chant during Euro 2024 celebrations
Two Spain stars are at risk of being hit with a ban.
Two Spain stars are at risk of being banned by UEFA following Gibraltar chants during their Euro 2024 celebrations.
Spain celebrated their European Championship triumph over England by holding a title parade in central Madrid on Tuesday.
But the celebrations were marred by some players chanting about Gibraltar, which is an enclave at Spain’s southern tip that has been under British rule since the 18th century.
Rodri was seen chanting ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’ along with teenage sensational Lamine Yamal while Alvaro Morata later sang the same chant.
According to a fresh report from Marca, Rodri and Morata face a UEFA ban following their chants about Gibraltar.
The EFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to review a potential breach of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations by Rodri and Morata.
A potential two-match ban is looming over the Spanish pair if UEFA decides to sanction them for their actions during their Euro 2024 celebrations.
A UEFA statement read: “A Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector is being appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations by the players Rodrigo Hernández Cascante and Álvaro Morata in the context of conduct that occurred during the public presentation of the Uefa Euro 2024 trophy in Madrid on 15 July 2024.
“Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”
Rodri holds aloft the Euros trophy during Spain’s victory parade. Image: Getty
A potential punishment comes after Gibraltar officials hit out at Spain’s chanting.
A statement from the territory’s government claimed ‘several’ Spanish players had chanted ‘rancid remarks about Gibraltar’.
It added: “This is a totally unnecessary mixing of sporting success with discriminatory political statements that are hugely offensive to Gibraltarians.”
Gibraltar’s chief minister Fabian Picardo also slammed Spain as he took to social media to make his feelings clear on the chanting.
“The Rock is OURS,” he wrote.
“Mixing a sporting victory and the chant that glorifies the dictatorial politics of a mass murderer like Franco and his fascist regime’s attempt to usurp a neighbouring territory, that is also a UEFA nation, is worse than disgusting.
“This cannot stand unchallenged.”
Rodri and Morata were key players in Spain’s Euros-winning campaign.
The Manchester City midfielder was named Player of the Tournament while the forward was the national team’s captain.