Spanish Culture and Sports Minister Miquel Iceta has publicly criticized Royal Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales for kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the mouth.
As Rubiales congratulated Hermoso on the podium after winning the first Women’s World Cup in Spain’s history, he grabbed her by the head and kissed her on the lips.
After the incident, Hermoso was seen celebrating and said she didn’t appreciate it. For his part, Rubiales said he would not pay attention to “idiocy” and “idiots”, believing that it was a display of affection without much importance.
Either way, the incident made international headlines. Hermoso herself tried to calm things down by stating that people shouldn’t think too much about it and that the duo have a great relationship.
But Iceta didn’t want to let it go and fell into the Rubiales “idiot” category.
“The first thing he has to do is give explanations and apologies,” Iceta told ENR.
“It is the logical and reasonable thing to expect because it is really true that the moment that was lived in Sydney was a very special moment, a moment of many emotions, but precisely those of us who have public responsibilities must be extremely careful, because we are giving a message to society, and this message is equal rights, it is respect, and therefore we must avoid any circumstance that can be interpreted as a prevailing thing, a person who is in charge can’t force a kiss, that’s not the case. »
Mr. Iceta went on to say that Mr. Rubiales had to realize his mistake in the light of day.
“From this point of view, I would like to hear the explanations of the president and that he apologize, because probably, when he sees the images, he will realize something that he may not have had. in mind at that time”.
Mr. Iceta is aware that this is a “sporting event” but also a “moment of equality, rights and respect for women”.
“We all need to be especially careful in our attitudes and actions. I think it is unacceptable to kiss a player on the lips to congratulate her and, as I saw it, because I did not see it live, but I saw it later on the networks social, it must be said. »
