Álvaro Morata and Rodri Face Uefa Disciplinary Action

Álvaro Morata and team-mate Rodri face disciplinary proceedings from Uefa following their controversial chanting during Euro 2024 victory celebrations. The two players chanted “Gibraltar is Spanish” in front of a large crowd in Madrid’s Cibeles Square on July 15, celebrating Spain’s 2-1 win over England in the final. Consequently, the Gibraltar Football Association (GFA) filed an official complaint with Uefa, prompting the governing body to assign a disciplinary inspector to investigate the potential breach of Uefa’s regulations.

As a result, Uefa has charged Álvaro Morata and Rodri with violating “general principles of conduct,” which includes breaching rules of decency, using a sporting event for non-sporting purposes and harming the reputation of football and Uefa. Moreover, Gibraltar located at Spain’s southern tip and under British rule since the 18th Century has long been a contentious issue between Spain and the UK with Spain frequently calling for its return.

Consequently, the GFA condemned the chanting as “extremely provocative and insulting,” and stressed that football should not accommodate such behavior. Uefa’s control, ethics and disciplinary body (CEDB) will review the case and make a decision in due course. This incident underscores the ongoing sensitivities surrounding Gibraltar’s status and the intersection of politics and sport.

In addition, Rodri, a Manchester City midfielder and Morata an AC Milan striker have not yet responded publicly to the charges. The GFA’s complaint emphasizes the need for respect and neutrality in international sporting events, reinforcing that football should stay separate from political disputes.

Since Gibraltar joined Uefa as a full member in 2013, it has participated in various football competitions and the recent celebrations have highlighted the ongoing political tensions that sometimes emerge in sports.