The mother of Luis Rubiales, Spain’s football chief, has taken refuge in a church in southern Spain and has initiated a hunger strike, citing her son’s treatment as the cause. Ángeles Béjar, locked herself in a 19th-century church located in the city of Motril, after the parish priest left. She affirmed her intention to remain there indefinitely, day and night, until a resolution is reached regarding what she termed an “unjust, inhumane, and bloodthirsty pursuit” of her son.
This development comes in the wake of a controversial incident involving Rubiales, who kissed Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the World Cup medal ceremony. The video of the incident caused significant outrage both in Spain and globally. Despite the backlash, Rubiales announced his determination to retain his position as the head of the Spanish football federation. However, FIFA responded by temporarily suspending him for 90 days, restraining him and the federation from contacting Hermoso and her associates.
The news agency Efe reported on Monday that Rubiales’ mother had sought refuge in the Divina Pastora church, where she plans to stay indefinitely until a resolution is reached. Béjar expresses her discontent with what she perceives as an unwarranted, inhumane, and bloodthirsty pursuit of her son, vowing to go on a hunger strike until a solution is found.
Rubiales’ gesture at the World Cup and his subsequent actions sparked condemnation from politicians, including acting prime minister Pedro Sánchez, who labeled the kiss as an “unacceptable gesture.” The conservative People’s Party spokesperson and powerful football clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona also criticized Rubiales’ behavior.
Attempting to portray the kiss as consensual, Rubiales claimed he had asked Hermoso for permission, to which she allegedly responded “OK.” Nevertheless, Hermoso categorically denied any consent, stating that the conversation did not occur and describing the kiss as impulsive, sexist, inappropriate, and non-consensual. She expressed feeling vulnerable and victimized by the ordeal, highlighting a lack of respect.
In response, Rubiales decried “false feminism” and described the situation as a “social assassination.” The Spanish football federation released a statement asserting Rubiales’ intention to defend himself legally and prove his innocence.
Rubiales’ mother echoed his sentiments, asking why her son was being targeted and pleading for understanding from the public. She affirmed her son’s incapability of causing harm and defended his account of the incident, emphasizing that there was consent from both parties, as evidenced by the images.
Last week, Rubiales faced additional accusations of misogyny from Tamara Ramos, the general director of the Futbolistas ON players’ union, who claimed that Rubiales had made obscene comments to her during their time working together at the Spanish footballers’ association, including inquiring about the color of her underwear. The Spanish football federation vehemently denied these allegations.
In conclusion, the situation surrounding Luis Rubiales and the controversy over the kiss continues to unfold, with Rubiales’ mother seeking refuge and engaging in a hunger strike as a form of protest. The differing accounts of the incident between Rubiales and Hermoso, along with additional allegations of misogyny, have intensified public scrutiny.
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