The Spanish football team has incurred the wrath of Gibraltar. During a jubilant celebration of their European title in Madrid, there was much joking and singing. Players and fans repeatedly chanted “Gibraltar is Spanish.”
Spanish fans often sing this chant when playing against England: “Gibraltar is Spanish.” The strategically located peninsula is a recurring point of contention between Spain and England, as both claim rights to the territory. Although it might seem logical for Gibraltar to belong to Spain due to its geographical location, it is still part of Great Britain.
Gibraltar Football Association displeased with the chant
As a jab from the fans and Spanish players towards England, “Gibraltar is Spanish” was loudly chanted again yesterday. Captain Morata initiated the chant, to which fans and fellow players responded and joined in. Cameras captured the scenes, which were subsequently seen everywhere. The football association of the small British peninsula was greatly offended. The association called the statements “provocative” and unacceptable. “Football has no place for this behaviour,” stated the Gibraltar FA.
Gibraltar Government responds to statements from the Spanish football team
The government of Gibraltar also expressed its disappointment via a statement in Spanish: “The government of Gibraltar is disappointed after seeing the remarks made by several players of the Spanish national football team, who celebrated their Euro victory with outdated comments about Gibraltar. It is a completely unnecessary mix of a great sporting success with discriminatory political statements that are extremely offensive to the people of Gibraltar.” The government also stated that sports should not be used to promote controversial political ideologies.
Whether the players of the Spanish team themselves are aware of the political implications of their statements is still unclear. However, the Gibraltar FA is taking it very seriously and is filing an official complaint with UEFA.