Spanish government say ‘we’ve seen worst of society’ in astonishing press conference blast over Rubiales kiss storm
SPANISH labour minister Yolanda Diaz has blasted the actions of Luis Rubiales and the male colleagues who have defended him.
Rubiales was applauded by some after he refused to stand down in the wake of his Women’s World Cup final kiss storm.
The Spanish FA chief, who has been suspended by Fifa, kissed captain Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation.
Diaz has now criticised what she saw during his speech in which he defended his action, as she spoke at an explosive news briefing on Monday.
She said “the worst of Spanish society” was on display as Rubiales was applauded by some of his male colleagues.
She said: “Male chauvinism is structural in this country.”
As for their treatment of Hermoso, she added: “Instead of protecting her they actually made her suffer.
“We have seen the worst of structural machismo in the behaviour of Mr Rubiales.”
Diaz praised the work of the Spanish government but admitted they should have acted sooner.
She told reporters: “The government is acting very positively but I think it’s deplorable that it was Fifa that brought in the sanction and not us.”
Rubiales has been suspended by Fifa and could face a similar sanction from Uefa.
However, the Spanish FA have voluntarily pointed out they should be axed from Uefa if the government were to intervene.
Leaving the governing body would see the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid removed from this season’s Champions League.
Diaz later said Rubiales had acted with “sexual aggression” during his kiss with Hermoso.
As for the scenes at the ceremony in Australia, she continued: “Spanish society is profoundly feminist and avant-garde.
“It’s certainly very strange that the whole of Spain should be witnessing this particular scene.”
Rubiales’ kiss storm has also seen his mum go on hunger strike.
She has locked herself in a church amid the scandal, slamming the “inhumane witch-hunt” against her son and is refusing to eat.