Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has refused to back Spanish world champion Jenni Hermoso, saying it’s not up to him to say if she was sexually assaulted.
Hermoso was the victim of a non-consensual kiss from suspended RFEF president Luis Rubiales and later came forward as the victim of a sexual assault saying she felt vulnerable. 79 Spanish players have signed the document in which Hermoso describes the events and states that she will take Rubiales to court.
The Spain men’s national team issued a statement upon arriving at camp ahead of international matches against Georgia and Cyprus, condemning Rubiales’ inappropriate behavior but not mentioning Hermoso. However, Carvajal didn’t go so far as to support her. He admitted in an interview with Onda Cero, that he was afraid to publicly express his opinion on such matters.
“We made a joint statement to make things clear from the start and focus only on sport. We all prepared the statement in which we were all comfortable and well, in accordance with what happened”.
“What we reject is what I say, these inopportune gestures by the president. It is a pity that the world title is diminished, because it is a very important achievement for our football. It has not been good for the image of Spanish sport”.
That same evening, he also spoke with Reportwho asked him if he would agree to Rubiales kissing him without his consent.
“I will not answer this question. I don’t know. I come here to play, to be available and to help the team qualify for Euro 2024. Considering what it means to be president of a federation… We are players who are called up and they call us for performances in our clubs. »
Hermoso’s teammates and 56 other players were able to back up her statements, but Carvajal refused to take a position on the matter.
“In the statement, we admit that the behavior of the president is not appropriate and what you consider a victim, in the question that you ask me, at the end of the day, there are legal entities who are looking into whether Jennifer is really a victim of something, which is an ongoing process. In the end, and after all, we stay out of it. »
“I told you before that there are people who have to decide whether there is guilt or a victim. Well, they will let you know. We therefore cannot position ourselves or condemn one party or the other in advance without knowing what really happened, what was stipulated, because to date Jennifer has not filed the complaint either. »
Ms Hermoso is said to be assessing whether she will take legal action.
