Controversy Erupts as Spanish Footballers Chant ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’ at Victory Celebrations

Amidst the celebrations of Spain‘s victory in the men’s Euro 2024 football tournament, controversy arose as players chanted ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’ during the team’s victory parade in the capital city of Madrid.

Leading the chants were midfielder Rodri, who also plays for Manchester City, and right-winger Lamine Yamal, with captain Alvaro Morata joining in later.

The Gibraltar Football Association swiftly lodged an official complaint with Uefa, denouncing the chants as ‘extremely provocative and insulting.’

Gibraltar, an enclave under British rule since the 18th Century, has been a point of dispute with Spain, which has persistently called for its return.

Tens of thousands of jubilant Spanish fans gathered in central Madrid to greet the victorious team following their 2-1 win over England in the final match, donning the country’s red and yellow colors.

The players, on an open-top bus tour through the city streets, culminated their parade at Cibeles square where the European Championship trophy was presented.

Notably, Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory with a population of over 34,000, has twice voted in referendums in favor of British rule, despite Spain’s territorial claim.

Following Brexit, disagreements over border control have exacerbated tensions between Spain and Gibraltar, a full Uefa member since 2013.