Manchester City star Rodri has been handed a one-match ban by UEFA following comments made during post-match celebrations after Spain’s European Championship victory. The 28-year-old reportedly chanted “Gibraltar is Spanish” alongside teammate Alvaro Morata, who will also serve a one-match ban.
UEFA released a statement regarding the disciplinary action: “Following the opening of disciplinary proceedings against Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante and Alvaro Morata for conduct that occurred during the public presentation of the 2024 UEFA European Championship trophy in Madrid on 15 July 2024, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has taken the following decisions:
“To suspend Royal Spanish Football Federation player, Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, for the next one (1) UEFA representative team competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible, for failing to comply with the general principles of conduct, for violating the basic rules of decent conduct, for using sporting events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature and for bringing the sport of football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute.”
Rodri had a successful Euro 2024 campaign with Spain, starting in all of their matches except one, for which he was suspended. His impressive performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award. Additionally, the Spaniard is reportedly in contention to win the Ballon D’or this year.
The midfielder has been integral to Manchester City’s recent success, making 257 appearances and scoring 26 goals, many of which were in decisive matches. Rodri is currently under contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2027, and the club is likely to consider offering him a contract extension soon.
As the ban applies only to UEFA competitions, Rodri could miss a Champions League match for Manchester City. However, with Spain scheduled to play two UEFA Nations League matches before City’s Champions League campaign begins, it is likely that Rodri will serve the ban while representing Spain rather than his club.
