England Lionesses star Leah Williamson calls Luis Rubiales’ kiss with Jenni Hermoso ‘disgusting’

England Lionesses star Leah Williamson calls Luis Rubiales’ kiss with Jenni Hermoso 'disgusting'.

The whirlwind of events all began when Rubiales encountered Hermoso after Spain beat England 1-0 to secure their first-ever win in the women's World Cup on 20 August.

After Hermoso received her medal from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, she was seen chatting to Rubiales before he put his arms around her and kissed her on her lips.

BBC

The Spanish Football Federation president has since been provisionally suspended by FIFA following his conduct on the day of the final.

Speaking of the incident, Hermoso said: "I want to make clear that not in any moment did the conversation occur that Mr Luis Rubiales references, and much less that his kiss was consensual.

"In the same way I want to reiterate how I did in that moment that what happened was not enjoyable.

"The situation left me in shock because of the context of the celebration, and with the time passed, and those initial feelings being able to sink, I feel the need to denounce this as I feel that no one, in no work space, sporting or social, should be a victim to this type of unconsensual behaviour.

"I felt vulnerable and a victim of aggression, an impulsive act, sexist, out of place and without any type of consent from my part. In short, I wasn’t respected."

The News Agents

Jorge Ivan Palacio, the chairman of the FIFA disciplinary committee, later ordered Rubiales and the RFEF to refrain from contacting or trying to contact Hermoso, either directly or through intermediaries.

FIFA added: "The decision adopted by the chairman of the FIFA disciplinary committee has been communicated to Mr Luis Rubiales, the RFEF and UEFA for due compliance.

"FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respect the integrity of all persons and therefore condemns with the utmost vigor any behaviour to the contrary."

Captain of the Lionesses, Williamson, has since called out the 'awful ordeal'.

Speaking The News Agents podcast, the 26-year-old said: "I think how sad that must be for her. The greatest sporting achievement of her life and it’s been completely overshadowed."

Williamson continued: "It’s disgusting and it’s the result of a sexist and misogynistic environment leading to treating people a way in which is just not appropriate."

The Arsenal player went on to praise Hermoso for her 'bravery' in speaking up about the incident.