Tensions rise as the fallout continues over Luis Rubiales’ suspension by FIFA, stemming from his unsolicited kiss on Spanish national team star Jenni Hermoso during the awards ceremony after Spain’s World Cup triumph in Sydney.
Rubiales’ mother, Angeles Bejar, has embarked on a hunger strike inside a church, denouncing what she terms the “inhumane treatment” her son is facing over the incident.
A Mother’s Protest
Angeles Bejar, the mother of Luis Rubiales, has taken a stand in the face of the controversy surrounding her son’s suspension. She has locked herself inside the parish church of Divina Pastora in their hometown of Motril in southern Spain.
Declaring a hunger strike, Bejar insists that her protest will endure “until a solution is found to the inhumane and bloody hunt, they are carrying out against my son with something he does not deserve,” reports EFE news agency.
Call for Clarity
From within the church, Bejar makes a plea for clarity in the unfolding situation. She urges Jenni Hermoso, the central figure in the controversy, to uphold the initial version of events she provided.
Bejar asserts that the shared images from the ceremony affirm the consensual nature of the kiss, which she claims negates any allegations of sexual abuse.
She voices her puzzlement over why her son is being targeted and questions the motives behind the controversy. “My son is incapable of hurting anyone,” she emphasizes.
Rubiales’ Defiant Stance
In contrast to Hermoso’s account, Rubiales, who is 46 years old, remains steadfast in his assertion that the kiss was mutual and consensual.
Despite the widespread condemnation of the incident by Hermoso, her teammates, and even the Spanish government, Rubiales refused to resign during a federation meeting.
He defended his actions, deeming the kiss “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric, and consensual.” The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is firmly supporting Rubiales and is committed to proving his innocence through legal means.
Hermoso’s Standpoint
Jenni Hermoso, who was on the receiving end of the kiss, maintains her position that she did not consent to the gesture. She expresses feeling “vulnerable and the victim of an aggression” in the aftermath of the incident.
Uncertain Path Ahead
As the controversy rages on, the fate of Luis Rubiales within the football community remains uncertain. His mother’s hunger strike and fervent defence underline the family’s resolve to clear his name.
With the RFEF firmly standing behind him and Hermoso maintaining her stance, the incident has ignited a broader debate about consent and boundaries within the sporting context.
The developments that unfold from this point forward will likely shape the narratives surrounding both Rubiales and the broader conversation about respect and professionalism in sports.
