Rodri charged by UEFA over 'hugely offensive' Gibraltar chant after Euro 2024 triumph

UEFA have charged Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri over his comments on Gibraltar after his side's Euro 2024 final triumph.

During Spain's public celebrations of their victory, Rodri chanted "Gibraltar es Espanol" (Gibraltar is Spanish) - a reference to the ongoing territorial conflict. Gibraltar is officially a British Overseas Territory, but Spanish officials believe it should fall under their territory.

Morata quickly replied to Rodri with, "But you play in England, buddy."

A formal complaint from the Gibraltar FA was made, accusing Rodri and other Spain players of "hugely offensive" comments and mixing politics with sport, and UEFA have now opened proceedings.

"Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in accordance with Article 55 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) against Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante and Alvaro Morata for the conduct that occurred during the public presentation of the 2024 UEFA European Championship trophy in Madrid on 15 July 2024," a UEFA statement read.

Not only have Rodri and Morata been charged with breaches of UEFA's general code of conduct, but the pair are now under investigation for "using sporting events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature" and "bringing the sport of football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute".

News of the investigation was met with delight from the Gibraltar FA.

"This is an important first step to establish the unlawfulness of the chant on grounds put forward by the GFA," a statement read.

"The Gibraltar FA now awaits the decision of the board when the matter is heard."

Rodri was named the Euro 2024 player of the tournament after a hugely impressive summer, which continued his ludicrous trophy haul over the past few years.

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS & GOSSIP FROM AROUND THE WORLD