Spain’s FA president Luis Rubiales admits he made a ‘mistake’ kissing Jenni Hermoso, but claims it was a ‘natural’ reaction following a ‘moment of great emotion’ following Spain’s World Cup victory
The president of the Spanish Football Federation has apologized after kissing Jenni Hermoso on the podium of the World Cup final.
Luis Rubiales kissed the attacker on the mouth and she subsequently said she “didn’t like it”.
He fanned the flames of rage by beating “idiots” who spread “b***sh**” over a “friendly” kiss, but now he’s backed away from that stance.
“I made a mistake and I have to admit it. It was not done in bad faith; it was a moment of great emotion,” he said.
‘Within (the group) we took it for granted, but on the outside it has caused commotion.’
Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Federation, kissed Jenni Hermoso on the mouth after the final
Hermoso took the World Cup trophy to bed after a dramatic day, beating England 1-0
“I have to apologize, learn from this and understand that as president you have to be more careful.”
Rubiales also spoke about his comments about his opponents, as people call “idiots.”
He said, “There are also some statements on my part where, in this context, if I say that this seems idiotic to me, it is because here inside nobody gave it the slightest importance, but outside they have given it (importance) to them.’
Earlier, Spanish Sports Minister Miquel Iceta said: “The first thing (Rubiales) should do is explain himself and apologise. Those of us who have public responsibilities should be extremely careful because what we do sends a signal to society.”
“We all need to be extra careful in our attitudes and actions. I find it unacceptable to kiss a player on the mouth to congratulate her.”
After an eventful day, Hermoso imitated last year’s Lionel Messi by going to sleep with the World Cup.