“Gibraltar is Spanish,” the mantra of the Spanish nationwide staff that the Authorities of the Rock describes as “stale and offensive”

The celebration of the victory of the Spanish nationwide staff within the European Championship was marked by overwhelming euphoria. Nevertheless, one of many get together’s chants has generated worldwide controversy. By shouting “Gibraltar is Spanish”, the gamers have provoked the indignation of the Gibraltar authorities and several other British media.

The controversy started when the captain of the nationwide staff, Álvaro Morata, sang the controversial chant through the celebration. Quickly, the refrain was joined by quite a few gamers and public figures reminiscent of Infanta Elena and the mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez Almeida, who was seen in a number of movies hugging the gamers and chanting the controversial phrase.

Rodri Hernández, one of many Premier League gamers, was notably criticised for his participation within the chant. His teammate Marc Cucurella tried to reasonable the scenario by reminding him: “You play in England, mate.” Nevertheless, the euphoria of the second prevailed, and Rodri took up the mantra once more, inflicting seen discomfort in a few of these current, together with the nationwide coach, Luis de la Fuente Castillo.

Mayor Almeida, removed from backing down, defended the mantra: “Many Spaniards suppose that Gibraltar is Spanish. What we’ve got to do is attempt to have an excellent time with out offending anybody.” Nevertheless, hostile reactions weren’t lengthy in coming. The Gibraltar authorities described the mantra as “stale and extremely offensive,” whereas the Gibraltar Federation introduced that it might lodge a proper grievance with UEFA.

Gibraltar’s Prime Minister Fabian Picardo expressed his deep anger on his social community ‘X’, though the Gibraltarian authorities has known as for calm. The Spanish authorities spokesperson, Pilar Alegría, tried to calm the scenario: “Yesterday there was an incredible celebration and I feel that what may very well be heard needs to be translated and put into context.”