UEFA to investigate ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’ chant

59

UEFA has appointed a disciplinary inspector following chants of “Gibraltar is Spanish” by Spain captain Álvaro Morata and teammate Rodri during their Euro 2024 victory celebrations.

The Gibraltar Football Association (GFA) lodged an official complaint with UEFA on Tuesday.

The inspector will review the incident to determine if there was a breach of UEFA’s disciplinary regulations.

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of Spain, has been under British control since the 18th century, although Spain has long sought its return.

The chanting occurred on 15 July in Cibeles Square, Madrid, where tens of thousands of Spain fans were gathered to celebrate their 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final.

Rodri, 28, was seen chanting “Gibraltar is Spanish” from the stage, and AC Milan striker Morata, 31, later encouraged the crowd to join in with the chant.

The Gibraltar FA complained about Spain’s behaviour, saying it had “noted the extremely provocative and insulting nature of the celebrations around the Spanish Men’s national team winning Euro 2024”.

“Football has no place for behaviour of this nature,” it added.

Gibraltar has been a full member of Uefa since 2013.