“Gibraltar is Spanish”, a song by the Spanish team, which the Rock’s Government calls “rancid and offensive”.

The celebration of Spain’s Euro Cup victory was marked by overwhelming euphoria. However, one of the festival’s songs caused an international controversy. By shouting “Gibraltar is Spanish”, the players provoked outrage from the Gibraltar government and some British media outlets.

The controversy began when National team captain Alvaro Morataperformed the controversial song during the celebration. The choir was soon supported by numerous players and public figures, such as Infanta Elena and the mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez Almeida, who was seen in several videos hugging players and chanting the controversial phrase.

Rodri HernandezOne Premier League player was singled out for particular criticism for his involvement in the chant. Teammate Marc Cucurella tried to diffuse the situation by reminding him: “You’re playing in England, mate.” However, the euphoria of the moment got the better of him and Rodri resumed the chant, causing visible discomfort to some in attendance, including national team coach Luis de la Fuente Castillo.

Far from backing down from his words, Mayor Almeida defended the song: “Many Spaniards think that Gibraltar is Spanish. What we need to do is try to have a good time without offending anyone.” However, the backlash was not long in coming. The Gibraltar government described the song as “stale and very offensive” and the Gibraltar Football Federation announced that it would lodge a formal complaint with UEFA.

Prime Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardoexpressed his deep anger on his social network “X”, although the leader of Gibraltar called for calm. Spanish government spokeswoman Pilar Alegria tried to soften the situation: “Yesterday was a big celebration and I think you could hear you need to translate this and put it into context in which it happened.”