Spain midfielder Rodri sparked controversy during their Euro 2024 victory celebrations after he was heard singing a chant about the ownership of Gibraltar.
The 28-year-old midfielder, who was named the Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament, was in high spirits after their 2-1 win over England at the Olympic Stadium, Berlin.
On Monday afternoon, shortly after they visited King Felipe VI and his family, Luis de la Fuente's side celebrated with an open-top bus parade through Madrid's Cibeles Square.
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The players were then handed a microphone as they congregated around a large stage in the centre of Madrid, which is when Rodri referenced Gibraltar – the tiny island at the southern tip of Spain which is British territory.
As you can see in the footage below, the Manchester City midfielder started singing ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’ as thousands watched on.
Spain captain Alvaro Morata can be heard reminding Rodri that he plays in the Premier League but his teammate replied: “I don’t care.”
Gibraltar is officially a British Overseas Territory and since the 18th century, the area has been a symbol of British military strength.
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But many in Spain dispute the terms of the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht in which Spain ceded the territory to Britain. It remains a sensitive topic of conversation in politics.
Gibraltarian officials have since released statement expressing their 'disappointment' over the remarks made, saying they were 'totally unnecessary' and 'hugely offensive to Gibraltarians'.
In a statement on Gibraltar's official website, they wrote: "The Gibraltar FA to make official complaint to UEFA following Spanish Men’s National Team Euro 2024 celebrations.
"The Gibraltar FA has noted the extremely provocative and insulting nature of the celebrations around the Spanish Men's national team winning Euro 2024.
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"The Association is this morning taking advice on the filing of a complaint to European Football's governing body, UEFA, in relation to the unacceptable chanting and songs, relating to Gibraltar, sung by Spain's Men's National Team players after winning Euro 2024."
They added: "Football has no place for behaviour of this nature."
Here's how fans on social media reacted to Rodri's comments.
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One said: "Doesn't Rodri play in England? What a way to antagonise them if you work or play in England," while a second wrote: "Rodri should stick to football. Gibraltar being in Spain or England doesn't matter."
A third commented: "Rodri chanting “Gibraltar is Spanish” during Spain’s Euro 2024 trophy parade wasn’t on our bingo cards."
A fourth said: "Rodri chanting “Gibraltar is spanish”, I’m sure Man City fans will take this well," and a fifth added: "Nahhhh Rodri won't be able to return to England. He is completely crazy about Gibraltar Spanish."
Rodri, meanwhile, is one of the favourites to take home the next Ballon d'Or after a superb campaign for club and country.
Topics: England, Euro 2024, Manchester City, Rodri, Spain, Fan Reactions
Jack Kenmare