Spain beat England 1–0 in the final of the FIFA World Cup. Afterwards, during the medal ceremony, Spanish confederation president Luis Rubiales kissed midfielder Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth.
Something he received criticism for on social media. Among other things from Hermoso himself.
— I didn’t like it, said the Spanish midfielder Hermoso, during a live broadcast on Instagram, about the incident.
Since then, Hermoso’s view of the incident seems to have changed. In a statement sent by the Spanish federation to the AFP news agency, she said the incident was “spontaneous and mutual”.
“It was a completely spontaneous and mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings,” says Hermoso, continuing:
“The chairman and I have a great relationship, his behavior towards all of us has been outstanding. It was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude. A gesture of friendship and gratitude cannot be overstated, we have won a World Cup and we will not to deviate from what is important”.
However, Rubiales himself disagrees with the criticism.
— The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere. When two people feel affection for each other, you can’t listen to idiocy, says Rubiales to Radio Marca.
Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, far right, kissed midfield star Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth during the World Cup gold celebrations and received harsh criticism.