Alvaro Morata and Rodri have both been suspended by UEFA following their controversial comments after their European Championship victory.
Spain defeated England in Berlin last month to win a record fourth European title, with goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal cancelling out a Cole Palmer strike.
While English hearts were broken and Spain was celebrating, two of the country’s leaders, Rodri and captain Morata, made headlines with comments about Gibraltar.
The pair were caught singing ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’, prompting UEFA to launch disciplinary proceedings against the pair after the Gibraltar Football Association filed a formal complaint.
Both were charged in late July, with The disciplinary body of UEFA, which has the authority to impose suspensions for both international and club competitions in Europe.
Rodri (fourth from left) and Alvaro Morata (with microphone) have been given suspensions by UEFA
The duo had just helped Spain to victory over England in the European Championship final
Rodri was named Player of the Tournament after shining for Spain throughout the competition
Now, UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has suspended the pair for one match. They have been found guilty of ‘failing to comply with the general rules of conduct, violating the basic rules of decent behaviour, using sporting events for events of a non-sporting nature and bringing the sport of football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute.’
Spain’s next match is the opening match of the Nations League, away to Serbia, on September 5.
The Gibraltar Football Association said it was “pleased” that UEFA “recognised the seriousness of this incident” and 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 Gibraltar Football Association added.
The Gibraltar peninsula is located at the southern tip of Spain, but has been British territory since 1713. Gibraltar has repeatedly rejected the possibility of coming under Spanish sovereignty.
The Gibraltar Football Association called Morata and Rodri’s comments “highly provocative and offensive”.
“The Gibraltar Football Federation has noted the extremely provocative and offensive nature of the celebrations surrounding the victory of the Spanish men’s national team at Euro 2024,” the statement said.
‘This morning, the association is seeking advice on whether to file a complaint with the European football governing body UEFA, regarding the unacceptable chants and songs sung by the players of the Spanish men’s national team after winning Euro 2024, in relation to Gibraltar.
The two Spanish stars played a key role during the tournament in Germany
Morata captained the team to their European Championship victory, while Rodri was one of the stars of the final
‘Football has no place for this kind of behaviour.’
Spain has long disputed British sovereignty over Gibraltar, claiming it belongs to Spain. However, the UK has long had control over the area.
The disputes have led to tensions and incidents between Spanish and British ships along both the maritime and land borders. Britain’s exit from the EU has further complicated the situation.
Due to these disputes, the Gibraltar national football team was not accepted by UEFA until 2013 and by FIFA until 2018.
“Spain has repeatedly asked the United Kingdom to start negotiations. The continued de facto occupation by the British does not meet the requirements of international law for the acquisition of sovereignty,” the Spanish Foreign Ministry said on its website.
‘That is why Spain has always stressed that the occupation of the isthmus is illegal and contrary to international law and has therefore always demanded its unconditional return. Spain does not recognize the occupation of the isthmus or the fence as a border.’
This happened in Madrid’s Cibeles Square, the day after their victory over England, as La Roja celebrated their greatest honour in 12 years.