Football has no place for behaviour like this
The Gibraltar FA have made an official complaint to UEFA following the Spanish Men’s National team Euro celebrations.
Spain won Euro 2024 after beating England 2-1 in the final thanks to goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Upon their return the players paraded the trophy at Madrid venue Plaza de Cibeles which is where the ‘provocative and insulting’ celebrations took place.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata performed renditions of ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’ in Spanish.
Rodri stepped off the bus and started chanting: “Gib-ral-tar, Gibraltar es Espanol, Gibraltar es Espanol, Gibraltar es es-pan-ol!”
He continued to sing the chant as he emerged on stage with Spain captain Morata and fans began to sing the chant back to them.
In a statement on their website, the Gibraltar FA said: “The Gibraltar FA has noted the extremely provocative and insulting nature of the celebrations around the Spanish Men’s national team winning Euro 2024.
“The Association is this morning taking advice on the filing of a complaint to European Football’s governing body, UEFA, in relation to the unacceptable chanting and songs, relating to Gibraltar, sung by Spain’s Men’s National Team players after winning Euro 2024.
“Football has no place for behaviour of this nature.”
The Gibraltar FA to make official complaint to UEFA following Spanish Men’s National Team Euro 2024 celebrationshttps://t.co/GWKGrPrlhM
— Gibraltar FA (@GibraltarFA) July 16, 2024
Gibraltar has been a British territory since 1713 when it was ceded by the Spanish.
Morata was filmed laughing with Rodri as they left the stage and reportedly reminded the City star that he played in England. The midfielder apparently responded: “I don’t care.”
UEFA are yet to respond.
