Espanyol Accuses Mapi León of Privacy Violation After Controversial On-Field Incident in Liga F Derby
Espanyol has accused Barcelona defender Mapi León of “violating the privacy” of their player, Daniela Caracas, during Sunday’s Liga F match. The incident, which occurred in the 15th minute, has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread debate.
During a set-piece duel, León and Caracas collided, and León appeared to touch the Espanyol defender in the groin area. In response, Espanyol released a statement expressing their “total discontent and condemnation,” noting that Caracas has since faced “hundreds of social media insults.”
León Denies Accusations, Calls It a Normal Football Interaction
León, 29, has strongly denied any misconduct, stating that her actions were part of the game and not intentional.
“At no time did I, nor was it my intention, infringe upon the intimacy of my fellow professional Daniela Caracas,”
León said in a statement. She explained that she was reacting to the physical clash, touching Caracas’ leg while asking, ‘What’s up with you?’
“There is no contact with her private parts, and certainly no intention. I insist, it was just part of the game that does not warrant the importance that has been attached to it,”
she added.
León also condemned the online harassment of Caracas, offering her support and distancing herself from the backlash her opponent has received.
Espanyol Calls for Justice, Criticizes Media Narrative
Espanyol maintains that the incident was unacceptable. The club argued that Caracas did not initially react due to potential disciplinary consequences but later understood the gravity of the gesture.
“This is an action that we consider unacceptable and that should not go unnoticed,”
Espanyol stated.
The club also criticized the media for shifting focus away from the incident itself, emphasizing that attention should remain on what transpired rather than external narratives.
Liga F Yet to Comment as Title Race Heats Up
Liga F has yet to issue a statement on the controversy. Meanwhile, Barcelona, who won the derby 2-0, remain five points clear at the top of the table, while Espanyol sits 13th in the 16-team league.
León, a key player for Barcelona, has won five league titles and three Champions League trophies with the club. Caracas, 27, is a Colombia international who played a crucial role in her nation’s run to the 2023 World Cup quarter-finals.
The incident has ignited heated discussions about boundaries in football, with fans divided over whether León’s actions were part of the game or crossed a line.
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