19-Year-Old Arrested in Málaga for Death Threats Against Spain's Morata

A 19-year-old man was arrested in Málaga for issuing death threats on social media against Spain's national football team captain Álvaro Morata and his family after Morata missed a penalty in the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal. The threats, posted from the suspect's personal account, targeted Morata and his children and rapidly spread online, prompting a public denunciation from Morata's family. The suspect initially claimed his account was hacked, but police investigations found inconsistencies in his story and forensic analysis of his mobile phone confirmed his responsibility. Authorities highlighted the growing issue of online harassment, particularly in sports, where anonymity and the rapid dissemination of messages have normalized such threatening behavior. Morata, who plays for Galatasaray and captains Spain, expressed doubts about his international future following the penalty miss in the final. The incident underscores increasing concerns about the toxic environment athletes face on social media platforms.