investigation after celebrating - UEFA initiates investigations against two European champions
The European Football Union is leading investigations against Captain Álvaro Morata and Rodrigo Hernández Cascante (Rodri) of the Spanish football team following the celebration of their fourth title win. An ethics and disciplinary inspector will be appointed, as the UEFA announced, to examine a possible breach of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations "in relation to the behaviour during the public presentation" of the EM-Trophy on Monday evening in Madrid.
During the Spanish national team's celebration, there were minor irritations. Morata presented the players individually on a large stage in front of thousands of fans. When Dani Carvajal was up, Morata tried to make fun of Carvajal, who had fouled Jamal Musiala, by calling him a "Pitbull", asking sarcastically "Where is Musiala? Where is he?", and adding "The best right-back in the world, Dani Carvajal!".
Even the losing final opponent England was given its due. Midfielder Rodri repeatedly sang the well-known chant of Spanish fans, with which they taunt English opponents: "Gibraltar is Spanish", sang the 28-year-old and many of his teammates and fans joined in.
The Football Association of Gibraltar lodged a complaint about provocation and insult.
Gibraltar has been a bone of contention between Madrid and London for more than three centuries. The area at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, which is only about as large as the eastern Frisian island of Baltrum, was taken into possession by the United Kingdom in 1704. Spain considers Gibraltar to be illegally occupied territory and a British colony.
The Football Association of Gibraltar has officially reported a complaint to the UEFA.
- The UEFA is investigating Alvaro Morata and Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, both from the Spanish football team, due to potential breaches of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations related to their behavior during the EM-Trophy presentation.
- During the celebration of their fourth title win in Madrid, captain Morata made light of Dani Carvajal's foul on Jamal Musiala, calling Carvajal a "Pitbull" and taunting him about Musiala's whereabouts.
- Even England, the losing final opponent, was acknowledged during the celebration, with midfielder Rodri leading the Spanish fans in their chant about Gibraltar, "Gibraltar is Spanish."
- The Football Association of Gibraltar has filed a complaint with the UEFA, citing provocation and insult during the celebration.
- Gibraltar has been a contentious issue between Madrid and London for over three centuries, with Spain considering the area at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula to be illegally occupied territory and a British colony.
- As a result of the complaint, the Spanish football team and individual players like Morata and Carvajal may face sanctions from the UEFA, which could potentially impact their future participation in international soccer matches, including the European Championship.
