UEFA Charges Rodri and Alvaro Morata for Unacceptable Chants During Spain’s Euro 2024 Victory Parade in Madrid

Spain’s Euro 2024 heroes, Rodri and Alvaro Morata, are facing UEFA charges after a controversial episode during their victory parade.

The two players were seen participating in chants that have been deemed unacceptable by the Gibraltar FA.

This incident has prompted UEFA to launch an official investigation into their behavior.

The celebration in Madrid took a sour turn when Rodri and Morata, among other players, reportedly chanted, “It’s Spanish, Gibraltar is Spanish,” during the festivities.

This chant was seen as provocative and led to complaints from the Gibraltar FA.

Their actions have been interpreted as violating UEFA’s conduct guidelines, which promote respect and decency in sporting events.

UEFA’s Response

UEFA has confirmed that the two players are being charged for breaching ‘general principles of conduct.’

This includes using a sporting event to promote non-sporting messages and potentially damaging the reputation of football and UEFA.

A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been assigned to investigate the incident further.

UEFA stated, “Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”

The Players’ Contributions

Rodri, who was named Player of the Tournament, and Morata, who scored once in the seven-game tournament and recently signed with AC Milan, were central to Spain’s Euro 2024 victory.

Despite their significant contributions on the field, their actions during the parade have overshadowed their achievements.

Gibraltar FA’s Reaction

The Gibraltar FA condemned the players’ behavior, labeling the chants as “extremely provocative and insulting.”

They have been considering filing a formal complaint with UEFA, emphasizing that such behavior has no place in football.

Gibraltar, a British overseas territory at the southern tip of Spain, has long been a point of contention between Spain and the UK, adding to the sensitivity of the situation.

Additional Issues

Morata’s parade troubles didn’t end with the chants.

He was also captured on video throwing a cup at a fan who was holding up a sign during the bus ride through Madrid.

This additional incident has only compounded the controversy surrounding his behavior during the celebrations.