UEFA has suspended Spain’s captain Alvaro Morata and teammate Rodri for one match after they chanted “Gibraltar is Spanish” during celebrations for their Euro 2024 victory.
The Gibraltar Football Association (GFA) filed an official complaint, leading to charges against the players.
READ ALSO: Spain secures Euro 2024 victory with late winner over England
UEFA banned Morata and Rodri for not adhering to general principles of conduct, violating basic rules of decent behavior, using a sporting event for non-sporting expressions, and damaging the reputation of football and UEFA.
The incident occurred on July 15 in front of tens of thousands of Spanish fans in Cibeles Square, Madrid, as players celebrated their 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final.
Gibraltar, a British-controlled territory at the southern tip of Spain since the 18th century, has long been claimed by Spain. The Gibraltar FA described the celebrations as “extremely provocative and insulting.” Gibraltar has been a full member of UEFA since 2013.
On July 19, 2024, UEFA appointed a disciplinary inspector to evaluate the potential violation of UEFA disciplinary regulations by Morata and Rodri.
Spain secures Euro 2024 victory with late winner over England
Daily News 24 earlier reported how Spain captured their fourth Euro title with a thrilling 2-1 victory over England in Berlin.
Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored a dramatic late winner, cementing Spain’s re-emergence as a dominant force in international football and dashing England’s hopes of ending their nearly six-decade title drought.
Despite losing key midfielder Rodri to injury at halftime, Spain quickly took the lead early in the second half through Nico Williams, who was set up by his fellow winger, Lamine Yamal. England responded as they had throughout the tournament, with substitute Cole Palmer equalizing in the 73rd minute, just moments after entering the match.
However, England’s comeback was short-lived as Oyarzabal, the Real Sociedad forward, converted a cross in the 86th minute, securing Spain’s record fourth European Championship. This victory marks Spain’s third Euro title in the last five editions, following wins in 1964, 2008, and 2012.
