Euro Winners Rodri and Morata Banned by UEFA
Euro champions Rodri and Alvaro Morata have been handed one-match bans by UEFA following their chanting of “Gibraltar” during their return home parade after winning the Euros. The Spanish duo will miss their next match.
UEFA investigated the incident following a complaint from the Gibraltar Football Association, who deemed the chant to be provocative and insulting. The governing body found evidence to support the complaint and subsequently banned both players.
The ban was issued by UEFA’s ’Control, Ethics and Disciplinary’ body, who deemed the players’ comments to be in violation of their code of conduct, which prohibits discussing non-sporting matters during sporting events.
The Gibraltar Football Association welcomed the ban, stating that it sends a message that football promotes peace, reconciliation, and fair play, and does not tolerate divisive or offensive actions.
Spain will next face Serbia in the Nations League in the coming month. Rodri plays for Manchester City in the English Premier League, while Morata plays for AC Milan in the Italian Serie A.
Note: Gibraltar has been under British sovereignty since 1713.