Rodri and Alvaro Morata set to be investigated by UEFA for antics in Spain's Euro 2024 victory celebrations
Spain captain Alvaro Morata and midfielder Rodri find themselves in hot water after UEFA opened investigations for their Euro 2024 celebrations, questioning the sovereignty of Gibraltar, a British territory that is also claimed by Spain.
In the Berlin final last Sunday (July 14), La Roja opened the scoring through Nico Williams in the second period before substitute Cole Palmer equalized with 17 minutes to go. However, Luis de la Fuente's side had the last laugh, thanks to substitute Mikel Oyarzabal's 86th-minute winner.
In the aftermath of the team's record fourth title, Morata was seen saying in viral footage (as per the Mirror):
“It’s Spanish, Gibraltar is Spanish."
Rodri also joined in before he was told:
“Man, you play in England,” in reference to Gibraltar not accepting to be a part of Spain.
Following a complaint by the Gibraltar FA for the 'extremely provocative and insulting' chants, UEFA has launched an investigation into the incident, releasing a statement:
"A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector is being appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations by the players Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante and Alvaro Morata in the context of conduct that occurred during the public presentation of the UEFA EURO 2024 trophy in Madrid on 15 July 2024. Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course."
The Gibraltar FA, welcoming the investigation, responded:
"In this regard, the Gibraltar FA confirms that it submitted further evidence to UEFA yesterday in relation to the appalling and unacceptable behaviour of Shelbourne FC supporters at Europa Point Stadium and around Gibraltar."
Spain has disputed Gibraltar's independence, claiming it to be their territory and urging the United Kingdom to enter negotiations for the territory.
How Alvaro Morata and Rodri fared for Spain at Euro 2024?
Spain captain Alvaro Morata didn't have the greatest of campaigns at Euro 2024, contributing just a goal and an assist in seven games. The striker was subbed off midway through the final, with his substitute, Oyarzabal, bagging a late winner.
Meanwhile, Rodri - coming off a Premier League title with Manchester City - also contributed a goal - in six games. The lone strike came in the 4-1 come-from-behind Round-of-16 win over Georgia.
With their fourth European Championship - their first in 12 years - Spain broke a tie with Germany for most titles in competition history, adding to their previous successes in 1964, 2008 and 2012.