Luis Rubiales kissed World Cup winning player Jenni Hermoso on the lips
also seen planting a kiss on the cheek of the goalscorer Olga Carmona
Spanish FA Chief Sparks Outrage with Obscene Gesture During World Cup Celebration
Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Association, is facing severe backlash after a video surfaced of him making an offensive gesture by grabbing his groin during a World Cup celebration alongside Queen Letizia and her daughter Sofia. The controversy intensified when Rubiales kissed World Cup-winning player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation following Spain's 1-0 victory over England.
Left-wing Spanish politicians condemned the 45-year-old's actions, with Hermoso herself admitting that she didn't appreciate the kiss. The kiss has been labeled as an act of "sexual violence" by Irene Montero, the acting Equality Minister, who emphasized the importance of not normalizing non-consensual acts.
Rubiales attempted to downplay the criticism, dismissing the kiss as a friendly gesture and dismissing his detractors as "idiots." However, he found himself at the center of attention once again when he was caught on camera deliberately grabbing his genitals and making obscene gestures towards the female footballers during a celebratory moment after the final whistle.
The presence of Queen Letizia and her daughter, Sofia, only added to the controversy as Rubiales' actions took place right beside them. Spanish politician Pablo Echenique expressed his outrage, accusing Rubiales of committing a potential crime by non-consensually kissing Hermoso and engaging in inappropriate behavior in the presence of the queen and her daughter.
Rubiales has yet to comment on the claims regarding his inappropriate gestures. However, in a recorded video in the dressing room after the World Cup final, he jokingly announced a trip to Ibiza as a prize for Spain's winning women's team and playfully suggested a wedding between himself and Jenni Hermoso.
Hermoso, in a live online stream to fans from the dressing room, admitted that she didn't appreciate the kiss. However, she referred to it as a spontaneous gesture and affirmed her positive relationship with the president.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for an appropriate response to address the issue of consent and respect towards women.
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