“An unacceptable gesture,” Spain’s Prime Minister slams Luis Rubiales over controversial kiss to Jenni Hermoso

Spain's magical moment was tainted by their FA.

“An unacceptable gesture,” Spain’s Prime Minister slams Luis Rubiales over controversial kiss to Jenni Hermoso

(L-R) Jenni Hermosa,Rocio Galvez, Rubiales (Source: via AFP)

Spain‘s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, publicly criticized Luis Rubiales‘ actions during the awards ceremony of the Women’s World Cup. “What we saw was an unacceptable gesture.” stated Pedro Sánchez.

Spain beat England in the 2023 edition of the World Cup. A goal by Olga Carmona separated the two sides as Spain emerged 1-0 victors. The Spanish players went to receive their medals. During the ceremony, caught on live camera was Luis Rubiales holding Jennifer Hermoso‘s face with both hands, then proceeding to kiss her.A Spanish player was live streaming the dressing room celebrations on which Hermoso said, “Eh..yeah, I did not enjoy that.” Hermoso however did not allow the incident to ruin the moment as they continued the celebrations.

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Many stories have since emerged about the incident. Since then Jenni Hermoso has come out and said, “The gesture was mutual” adding, “The President and I a great relation.” However, in a twist, it was found out that Hermoso never made the statement. It was released by the Spanish FA’s communication department and disseminated to the media. News later came out that Luis Rubiales begged Hermoso to appear in an apology with him to which she declined. While few fans argued, before all information was put out, that this was the norm in certain cultures, many have pointed out that this is completely false and their culture is not like that.

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While this moment may have caught some headlines, let’s not forget Spain’s impressive performance in the World Cup. Their first since its inception.

Related: “I know you have been watching me,” Spain’s captain Olga Carmona pens down emotional message after demise of her father

Spain edged England out in the Final

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Ona Battle battling for the ball (Source: via AFP)

Spain emerged victors in the finals after a goal by Olga Carmona separated the two sides. An overlapping run on the left side of the pitch put the left back in a prime position as she slotted the goal into the back of the net. Spain were played incredible football as England struggled to do much against La Furia Roja.

The game could have ended at the 66th minute of the game when Spain were awarded a penalty. An opportunity to make it 2-0 and put the game to bed, up stepped Jenni Hermoso. A shot towards the right side of the goal saw her penalty saved as Mary Earps kept the Lionesses in the game. The momentum seemed to have shifted as England now looked sharp and quick in their play. Spain had moments but England were now more aggressive. The Lionesses were however unable to score as a corner in the last minute of the game was caught by Spanish goalkeeper, Cata Coll, after which the referee blew the final whistle.

Spain were World Champions, their fans were jubilant in the stands and the players were celebrating in the dressing room. The Spanish were World Champions not only in the Men’s division but also in the Women’s.

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