Following the World Cup kiss-gate affair, Jennifer Hermoso’s followers took to the streets of Madrid to show their support for the Spain football star and to protest against Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales.
Hundreds of people gathered at Madrid’s Plaza Callao with placards and flags in support of Hermoso.
Many of the placards also alluded to the Spanish word “Seacabo,” which translates to “It’s over” in English. Other placards said, ‘Rubiales and macho mafia out’.
The protests came after Rubiales kissed the striker on the lips at the awards ceremony following Spain’s victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final.
According to Crisis 24, rallies by women’s rights groups are planned to take place in September to ‘demand the resignation of Rubiales.’
Rubiales refused to quit after the event provoked uproar, but FIFA’s disciplinary committee provisionally prohibited him from any football-related activities for at least 90 days last week.
Rubiales’ preliminary sex abuse inquiry was launched today by Spanish prosecutors.
Hermoso earlier stated that she did not agree to the kiss, and other players of the women’s national team have stated that they will refuse to play unless Rubiales is fired.
‘I want to clarify, that at no time did I consent to the kiss,’ Hermoso said. ‘I didn’t tolerate that my word is questioned, much less that words are invented that I haven’t said.’
The footballing world has widely called for Rubiales to be fired, with Spain’s women’s stars Alexis Putellas and Aitana Bonmati turning to Twitter to express their views.
‘This is intolerable,’ Putellas said on Twitter. It’s all over. ‘With you, @jennihermoso.’
‘There are limits that cannot be crossed, and we cannot allow this,’ Bonmati wrote. We stand behind you, partner.’
Rubiales’ mother apparently barricaded herself inside a church earlier today and went on a hunger strike. She requested that the ‘inhumane witch-hunt against her son’ be stopped.
The Spanish FA is also expected to call an emergency meeting on Monday, according to Mail Sport.
The marches proceeded across the city, with some placards stating ‘Rubiales and macho mafia out’.
On Saturday, Sevilla players showed their support for Jennifer Hermoso before their LaLiga match against Girona.
Sevilla sported shirts with the slogan ‘#SeAcabo’ during the warm-up and pre-match handshakes.
The Lionesses have also backed the Spanish women’s football squad, claiming that they stood with Hermoso’ as well.
‘Unacceptable behaviour tolerated by a sexist and patriarchal organisation.’ The statement read from the defeated finalist. ‘Abuse is abuse, and we have all witnessed it.
‘The actions of individuals who believe they are invincible must not be permitted, and people must not be persuaded to take action against any type of harassment.
‘We support you, Jenni Hermoso.’
Source: Daily Mail
