July 19 – The Gibraltar FA has filed a formal complaint to UEFA after Spanish players chanted ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’ during their Euro 24 celebrations in Madrid after beating England 2-1.
Players, reportedly including captain Alvaro Morata, and the player and young player of the tournament, Rodri and Lamine Yamal, could be heard chanting the slogan, which was echoed by supporters in the crowd.
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory but its status has long been a sensitive political issue, with some in Spain believing Britain’s control is illegal.
The Gibraltar FA said the chanting was “extremely provocative and insulting”.
“The conduct in question is deeply offensive to Gibraltarians, who have repeatedly exercised their democratic rights to remain a British Overseas Territory,” the Gibraltar FA said.
“While Gibraltar has a border with Spain, and values its close cooperative relationship with Spain and the Spanish people, it is and remains a British Overseas Territory.
“His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar is disappointed to note that several players of the Spanish male national football team celebrated their European Cup win with chants of rancid remarks about Gibraltar.
“This is a totally unnecessary mixing of a great sporting success with discriminatory political statements that are hugely offensive to Gibraltarians. The lamentable use of the platform of celebrations around winning the Eurocup for advancing the idea of usurping the territory of Gibraltar is contrary to the principle that sport should not be used to advance any politically controversial ideology.”
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