Spain stars Rodri and Alvaro Morata charged by UEFA for post-Euro 2024 final celebrations

Rodri and Morata have been charged by UEFA for chants about Gibraltar after the team's Euro 2024 win. The duo were heard chanting "Gibraltar is Spanish" during La Roja's celebrations which saw a complaint lodged by the Gibraltar FA for "the extremely provocative and insulting nature of the celebrations."  An ethics and disciplinary inspector was appointed to look into the incident and disciplinary proceedings have now been opened.

The charges relates to violations of the general principles of conduct, basic rules of decent conduct, using sporting events for non-sporting manifestations, and bringing the sport and UEFA into disrepute. According to a UEFA statement, a decision "is expected in due course." The two players could be hit with a two-match ban if UEFA opts to sanction both players, according to Marca.

Gibraltar is on the southernmost tip of Spain but has been a British territory since 1713. Spain has long called for its return but saw a referendum on Spanish sovereignty rejected in 1967 by its population. The dispute has continued until the present day and has been further complicated by the UK's exit from the European Union in 2020.Gibraltar has been a full member of UEFA since 2013.

Morata and Rodri must wait to see what action, if any, is taken for their celebrations. The duo are scheduled to return to action with the Spain national team in September with Nations League fixtures against Serbia and Switzerland.