Kissing Hermoso was consensual, no aggression involved – Rubiales insists

Under fire President of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales has insisted that kissing Jennifer Hermoso on her lips was a mutual and consented act.

Rubiales had kissed midfielder Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony after Spain won the Women’s World Cup final. The player said the kiss was not done through her consent.

The Spanish FA boss has been under fire since the incident took place, with many calling for his resignation, but he has refused to resign, claiming innocence.

In a statement on Friday, Rubiales admitted that he made some obvious mistakes, which he sincerely regretted from the bottom of his heart.

According to him, “The spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us to carry out a mutual and consented act, the product of great enthusiasm.”

He said at no time was there any aggression, adding that “indeed, there was not even the slightest discomfort, but an overflowing joy in both.

“I repeat: with the consent of both parties, both in the affectionate hugs, as well as in the peak and subsequent farewell full of affectionate mutual gestures, that occurred on the medals delivery stage.”

Rubiales said he had also felt the growing support of people on the street and on social media.

Last Saturday, several coaching staff of the Spanish Women’s national team dropped their resignation following Rubiales’ controversial kiss of star player Hermoso.

Several female members of the women’s football coaching staff were forced to sit in the front row during Luis Rubiales’ address to the Spanish football federation last Friday in an attempt to show that they supported his message, according to the statement released by the staff.

FIFA also provisionally suspended Rubiales for 90 days following the incident.

To attract sympathy for her son, Rubiales’ mother was said to be on hunger strike over the “inhuman” treatment of her son.

The embattled Spanish FA boss has vowed to defend himself.