Álvaro Morata and Rodrigo Hernández, 'Rodri', have been sanctioned by UEFA due to the intonation of the "Spanish Gibraltar" chant during the celebration of Euro 2024 in Germany. In it, Spain was crowned champion by beating England.
UEFA considers that these chants violate the basic rules of decent conduct and bring the sport of football into disrepute. He assures that they use sporting events for non-sporting events. The sanction imposed will prevent them from participating in the next UEFA team competition match.
The incident occurred on July 15 in Madrid. After initiating a disciplinary procedure, UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEBD) decided on the sanction. In a statement, UEFA explained that the decision was made because the players violated the rules of decent conduct. He claims that they used a sporting event for political demonstrations, which is unacceptable.
UEFA sanctions Álvaro Morata and Rodri
UEFA's response underlines the importance of keeping sport free of political and other expressions that could distort the nature of the competitions. This exemplary sanction, of one match, aims to send a clear message to the players and everyone involved in the sport. Football must remain an area of competition and celebration, away from any type of demonstration that could generate political or social controversies.
Morata and Rodri, key players in the Spanish team, now face the consequences of their actions off the field. This sanction means that Spain will play its next match without its captains.
UEFA's decision has been received with diverse opinions. Some fans and sports analysts consider the sanction to be fair and necessary to preserve the integrity of football. However, the vast majority believe that the measure is excessive and limits the players' freedom of expression.
Although it is believed to be disproportionate, UEFA's position is firm: "Football should be a neutral terrain, dedicated solely to sport and healthy competition," they say. Later, however, we have seen violent attitudes during the Euro Cup and they will go unsanctioned.
Rodrigo and Álvaro Morata, outside Spain
This case also highlights the responsibility of athletes as public figures. His actions, both on and off the field, have considerable impact and are always under scrutiny. More so in the case of Rodri, a Manchester City player, who plays in the Premier League.
Álvaro Morata is a new player for Milan, in Italy. The striker will not have to relive the controversy, while Rodri will see how his song about Gibraltar is in the news for weeks. That's what it's like to live and work in the UK.
For now, the two players will not play the next game. Of course, no one will take away the Euro Cup they won on July 14 in Germany.