Credit: Twitter
The mother of disgraced Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales, who kissed Women’s football player Jenni Hermoso, has locked herself in a church and said she is on hunger strike in protest at her son's treatment, his cousin confirmed. Angeles Béjar has locked herself inside the church of the Divine Shepherdess in Rubiales' hometown of Motril, Andalusia.
After the Women’s World Cup final fiasco, Rubiales was asked to resign, but he sensationally refused in a long monologue, repeatedly saying, "I will not resign". He has been provisionally suspended by FIFA for his actions at the Women's World Cup final, as Hermoso later said that the kiss was not consensual.
Now Bejar has protested this action by going on a hunger strike in a church and asking Jenni Hermoso to "tell the truth" and "maintain the version she had at the beginning of the events." As quoted by EFE, Bejar referred to the suspension as an “inhuman and bloody hunt that they are doing with my son with something he does not deserve." The protest will continue "indefinitely, day and night" until justice is done with her son, according to Bejar.
Rubiales' cousin, Vanessa Ruiz Béjar, confirmed to Teledeporte that his mother was on hunger strike, saying: "This is very hard. To say that there is harassment is not fair. His mom, who is a person of great faith, has taken refuge in God and is on a hunger strike and does not want to leave the church. That his family is suffering very much on his behalf. It is not fair what is happening.”
Many Spanish politicians branded Rubialess’ act as “sexual violence” when footage of the kiss first emerged and are now being supported by mainstream commentators in condemning what happened. Mass resignations within the federation have followed, with divisive head coach Jorge Vilda's entire coaching staff announcing their departures over the weekend until the matter is resolved. Many Spanish legends like Andres Iniesta and current Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez have also criticised Rubiales.
