• Home
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • LAD Originals

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Not now
OK
Advert
Advert
Advert

Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales' mum locks herself in church on hunger strike

Emily Brown

Published 
| Last updated 

Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales' mum locks herself in church on hunger strike

The mum of Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales has locked herself in a church on a hunger strike following criticisms over her son's behaviour at the Women's World Cup final.

Rubiales sparked controversy when he kissed Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso as she was receiving her medal for the World Cup win, but his mum, Ángeles Béjar, has made clear that she's standing by his side.

Rubiales kissed Hermoso after Spain defeated England. Credit: BBC
Rubiales kissed Hermoso after Spain defeated England. Credit: BBC

Spanish media has reported that Béjar has launched a hunger strike in response to the backlash, and is calling for Hermoso to 'tell the truth'.

Advert

After the kiss was caught on camera and shared online, Hermoso said on her social media she 'did not enjoy' the encounter, but initially told press the moment was a 'natural gesture of affection'.

Since then, Hermoso has released a statement on social media making clear the kiss was not 'consensual'.

"I feel the need to report this incident because I believe no person, in any work, sports or social setting should be a victim of these types of non-consensual behaviours," Hermoso wrote.

"I felt vulnerable and a victim of impulsive-driven, sexist, out-of-place act, without any consent on my part. Quite simply, I was not respected."

Advert

Béjar has now urged Hermoso to 'maintain the version she had at the beginning of the events'.

The mum told news outlet EFE that she will stay in the Divina Pastora church, located in the southern Spanish town of Motril, 'indefinitely, day and night' until the situation, which she described as an 'inhuman and bloody hunt' against her son, is resolved.

Jenni Hermoso said she did not consent to the kiss. Credit: Noemi Llamas/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Jenni Hermoso said she did not consent to the kiss. Credit: Noemi Llamas/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Béjar said the criticism against Rubiales is something 'he does not deserve', insisting he was 'incapable of harming anyone'.

Advert

She also claimed there was 'consent on both sides'.

Rubiales himself defended his actions when he gave a speech, asking: "Do you really think I deserve this hunt? People demanding my resignation? Is this so serious for me to resign, having done the best management of Spanish football?"

Rubiales insisted he will not resign from the Spanish Football Association over the criticisms, and the organisation stood by his side as it said it would take legal action over Hermoso's comments.

"The evidence is conclusive," the Spanish FA said in a statement. "Mr President has not lied."

Advert

In protest over Rubiales' behaviour, dozens of football players declared they will not play for Spain's women's team until he is removed from his post.

This weekend, FIFA suspended Rubiales from 'all football-related activities at a national and international level' for a period of 90 days.

Featured Image Credit: BBC/Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Topics: World News, Sport, Football

Emily Brown
More like this
Advert
Advert
Advert

Chosen for YouChosen for You

News

Husband from controversial £46 million 'wedding of century' now facing decades in prison

37 minutes ago

Most Read StoriesMost Read

Netflix renews Squid Game: The Challenge for season two with casting now open

3 hours ago