Redaction Simon Brett with City Xtra
Published on 2024-07-21 14:00:00
Manchester City midfielder Rodri is under investigation by UEFA for chanting ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’ during Spain’s Euro 2024 celebrations in Madrid. This came after Spain won the European Championships in Germany and held a victory parade in the Spanish capital, triggering controversy especially with those of Gibraltar nationality and residence.
The Gibraltar Football Association filed a complaint with UEFA over the celebratory chants, leading to an ethics and disciplinary investigation into Rodri and Alvaro Morata. Spain still disputes the sovereignty of Gibraltar, which has been a British territory since 1713. Gibraltar was recognized as a full UEFA member in 2013, with the decision to keep them and Spain in different qualification groups due to historical sensitivities.
Despite Spain’s claim to the peninsula, Gibraltar’s rejection of Spanish sovereignty in referendums in 1967 and 2002 has led to ongoing tensions between the two nations. UEFA’s disciplinary investigation aims to address the provocative chants made by Spanish players during their victory celebrations, highlighting the complexity of the historical and political relationship between Spain and Gibraltar.
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