 |
| Jennifer Hermoso and Luis Rubiales / Sports Illustrated |
The president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation faced heavy criticism for kissing Jennifer Hermoso on the lips after the Women's World Cup final, where Spain defeated England 1-0.
Luis Rubiales was part of the presentation party at the final in Sydney's Stadium Australia.
Hermoso, who has a record of 51 goals in 101 games for Spain, received a hug and a kiss on the cheek from Rubiales before he kissed her mouth, an act captured in viral footage.
While Hermoso expressed discomfort, a statement from the Royal Spanish Football Federation defended the gesture as a "natural gesture of affection."
Read also: Maddie Lethbridge's Leaked Video Goes Viral
Spain's government minister for equality, Irene Montero, considered the act as a form of daily sexual violence against women and criticized Rubiales.
The incident sparked a trending hashtag "dimision ya" (resign now) on Twitter, leading to Rubiales posting an apology video on social media, acknowledging the inappropriateness of the incident.
Tags:
Entertainment