By Spanish Striker Alvaro Morata Sparks Outrage Among Moroccan Fans Following Euro 2024 Final Victory
Madrid, July 16, 2024 – Spanish international forward Alvaro Morata has found himself at the center of controversy among Moroccan supporters after Spain’s triumphant win in the Euro 2024 final.
On Sunday evening, Spain clinched its fourth European Championship title by defeating England 2-1. The celebrations ensued the following day at Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles, where the players stirred up an unexpected controversy. Led by Rodri, the team teased the English by chanting “Gibraltar is Spanish,” referring to the southernmost enclave of Andalusia claimed by Spain but owned by England, which lies opposite the Moroccan coast.
During the festivities, Alvaro Morata, soon-to-be AC Milan player, decided to take a jab at Morocco, who notably thwarted Spain in the 2022 World Cup Round of 16 (0-0, 3-0 penalties). “Morocco too! (implying ‘Morocco too is Spanish,’ like Gibraltar),” Morata exclaimed, having taken on the role of a speaker. Unsurprisingly, this remark ignited a wave of outrage among Moroccans on social media, particularly on platform X.
Spanish Players Chant “Gibraltar is Spanish,” Morata Adds “Morocco Too”
— SOCCER212 (@SCCR_212) July 16, 2024
Many netizens clashed online, with Moroccans vehemently criticizing Morata through harsh comments, while some Spaniards questioned whether the striker had indeed uttered those words, citing the chaotic atmosphere that made his statements challenging to discern.
This incident highlights a new chapter in the recent tensions between Spain and Morocco, from the controversy surrounding the national team selections of Lamine Yamal and Brahim Diaz, to the competition for hosting the 2030 World Cup final.
