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Bayern Munich chief defends Spanish FA president for kissing World Cup star on the lips
Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales kissed World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso after their final victory over England
Gloria Hunniford defends the Luis Rubiales World Cup kiss
Bayern Munich supervisory board member and former CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has come out in defence of Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales, who kissed Women’s World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso on the lips following their final 1-0 win over England on Sunday. As Hermoso and her team-mates were preparing to receive their medals and lift the trophy, Rubiales grabbed the 33-year-old’s head and kissed her live on worldwide TV.
Rubiales has since apologised after initially defending his actions in a passionate rant on Spanish radio, having been met with fierce backlash for the incident. The Spain record scorer also played down the kiss in a statement, though critics have been outraged at the federation’s president.
Rummenigge, however, has taken a different view and expressed his understanding for Rubiales. "I think you shouldn't overdo it," Rummenigge said at the Sport Bild Awards in Hamburg according to Sport1. "When you become world champion, you are emotional. And what he did there is - sorry, with all due respect - absolutely okay.
"I can remember: When we won the Champions League last time, I kissed men - not on the mouth, but out of joy. Emotionality is important in football, you should leave the church in the village.”
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While Germany and Bayern icon Lothar Matthaus had a similar view: “You can kiss. These are emotions, love, passion, bliss. I have nothing against such pictures, even if it is the president of the association. Maybe you went a bit too far. For me it's not a discussion and it's okay.”
Rubiales has since apologised and insisted he understands his conduct needs to improve. "I was completely wrong, I have to admit it,” Rubiales said on Monday. “It was without bad intention at a time with a lot of excitement.
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“In the moment, we saw it as natural, but outside a commotion has formed. I have to apologise, learn from this, and understand that when you are president you have to be more careful."
Hermoso, who had her penalty saved by Lioness Mary Earps in the second half that would have put Spain into a 2-0 lead, initially said she “did not enjoy it” on Instagram live in the dressing room during their post-match celebrations, but later played down the incident in a statement given to the Spanish federation.
"It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings,” she said in an attempt to draw a line under the matter. "The president and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude."