2023-08-21 13:27:17
(CNN) — The Minister of Culture and Sports of Spain, Miquel Iceta, spoke regarding the controversy that has generated the kiss that the president of the country’s soccer federation gave one of the players who were celebrating the victory in the Women’s World Cup in the country on Sunday, describing the move as “unacceptable.”
Luis Rubiales, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), gave forward Jenni Hermoso a surprise kiss on the lips following the 33-year-old received her gold medal at the Stadium Australia in Sydney on Sunday.
In statements to RTVE radio this Monday, Iceta said: “It seems unacceptable to me. We are experiencing a sporting event… but we are also living in a moment of equality. We live in a moment of rights and respect for women. So we all must to be especially careful in our attitudes and actions. I think it is unacceptable to kiss a player on the lips to congratulate her.”
Iceta went on to call Rubiales to apologize for his actions.
“Well, I think that the first thing to do is explain and make excuses. I think it is logical and reasonable, because it is really true that the moment that was lived in Sydney was a very special moment”.
“But precisely those of us who have public responsibilities must be extremely careful because we are giving a message to the public and that message is equal rights, respect, and as such we must avoid any circumstance that can be interpreted in a way that is not that”
“That we don’t show that whoever is in charge can force a kiss, that can’t happen. … What I would like is to hear her reasoning and apologize because probably when she sees the images she will realize that perhaps she was lost at the time, ”Iceta concluded.
On the radio program “El Tiempo de Juego” on Cadena COPE, Hermoso spoke of the kiss on Sunday, saying that “he did not expect it” but that “it was because of the emotion of the moment, there is nothing else there. It will only be an anecdote (of the time). I’m absolutely sure it won’t explode anymore.”
Rubiales himself spoke to Radio Marca regarding the incident with Hermoso on Sunday and said: “The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere. When two people have a moment of affection without any importance, we can not listen to nonsense. We are champions and I’ll stick with that”.
Iceta is not the only political figure who has spoken out regarding the incident.
The X account of the political party Sumar quoted member of the European Parliament Ernest Urtasun in a post calling for Rubiales’ resignation. The publication says: “The image of Rubiales’ disgusting masculinity cannot go unpunished. There are mechanisms and protocols that must be put in place. We demand his resignation ”.
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