Morata and Rodri banned by UEFA for "Gibraltar is Spanish" chant Getty Images AdvertisementSpain captain Álvaro Morata and Manchester City midfielder Rodri accept been handed a one-match abeyance by UEFA afterward their arguable anniversary during Spain's Euro 2024 victory

The abeyance comes afterwards both players chanted "Gibraltar is Spanish" in advanced of bags of admirers in Madrid's Cibeles Square on July 15, a action accounted annoying and aweless by the Gibraltar Football Association (GFA)

This agency they are both disqualified out of La Roja's abutting bold adjoin Serbia abutting month

Spain ascend to third in FIFA Rankings, Argentina break top The adventure occurred as Spain acclaimed their 2-1 celebration over England in the Euro 2024 final. The chanting by Morata and Rodri was apparent as a political account apropos Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory amidst at the southern tip of Spain. Spain has historically claimed ascendancy over Gibraltar, which has been beneath British aphorism back the 18th century

The administering anatomy cited the players' accomplishments for declining to attach to the "general attempt of conduct" and for bringing the action into disrepute. UEFA's account read: "The players are abeyant for declining to accede with the accepted attempt of conduct, actionable the basal rules of appropriate conduct, and application antic contest for non-sporting manifestations." The GFA formally complained to UEFA about the players' behaviour, anecdotic it as "extremely annoying and insulting." In their statement, the GFA emphasised that such conduct has no abode in football, which should focus alone on antic achievements rather than political statements

Morata and Rodri instigated carol amidst celebrations During Spain's achievement array in Cibeles Square, Rodri was visibly chanting "Gibraltar is Spanish," while Morata abutting in and encouraged the army to participate. This affectation was met with criticism due to its political nature, allegory acutely with the celebratory and non-political atmosphere about associated with such events

Despite the controversy, Rodri was called Player of the Tournament for Euro 2024, highlighting his cogent addition to Spain's success. The midfielder's on-field achievement was broadly praised, admitting his post-match accomplishments accept overshadowed his achievements