Europe’s football governing body, UEFA, has suspended both Rodri and Alvaro Morata for one competitive match for their roles in the ‘Gibraltar Español’ chants following their Euro victory last month.
Morata and Rodri made headlines following their victory over England in the final, both players initiated a taunts in the Plaza Cibeles in front of thousands of fans, a move that drew widespread condemnation.
Rodri, who plays his club football in England, and Alvaro Morata, the Spanish team captain, were hauled before UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body following a complaint by the Gibraltar Football Association.
UEFA’s decision has now been published.
The Committee has determined that both players violated the basic rules of decent conduct, using sporting events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature, and bringing the sport, and UEFA, into disrepute.
They have both been suspended for one match.
The ban will apply to Spain’s Nation’s League match against Serbia in September.
Reacting to this, Gibraltar football association says it’s delighted to see the recognition and confirmation that the players’ chants of “Gibraltar es español” violated UEFA rules.
It says the decision by UEFA reinforces the principle that the chants “Gibraltar es español”, have brought the sport of football, and in particular UEFA, into disrepute, and confirms that there is no place for politically charged or discriminatory behaviour in football.
The GFA says the core issue at hand was the inappropriate and inflammatory nature of the chants, which not only disrespected the people of Gibraltar but also brought politics into a sporting arena.
The GFA says it remains committed to upholding the values of promoting peace, understanding, and fair play, and will continue to advocate for respect within the sport.
