Spanish authorities have taken three Real Madrid youth players into custody, escalating concerns over issues of sexism and inappropriate behaviour within Spanish football circles. The players, although not minors themselves, have been connected with the circulation of a sexual video featuring an underage individual.
The arrest occurred after a complaint lodged by the mother of a 16-year-old girl from the Canary Islands. She alleged that her daughter had been unknowingly recorded during a sexual encounter in June. While the teenager claimed the relationship was consensual, the distribution of the video, of which she was unaware until recently, has raised serious legal concerns.
According to the police statement, the involved players were apprehended at the Real Madrid sports complex in Madrid. Investigations revealed a fourth player might also be associated with the incident. Notably, one of the players under scrutiny is part of the reserve team, and two others represent the third team.
Real Madrid, in response to the unfolding situation, stated that four of their youth team members had been interrogated by the authorities. Their questioning revolved around "the alleged release of a private video via WhatsApp". El Confidencial, a prominent Spanish newspaper, highlighted that the primary individual under investigation seems to be a player from the third team, believed to have recorded his intimate moments with the 16-year-old.
As per the police spokesperson, all three players are suspected of a felony recognised under Spanish criminal law as "revealing secrets of a sexual nature".
This incident adds to the rising tensions in Spanish football, especially with recent accusations of sexual misconduct directed towards the former soccer federation chief, Luis Rubiales. Rubiales, after a controversial episode where he was seen kissing Spain's World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso, faced a massive backlash comparable to the Me Too movement. He continued to reject the demands for his resignation until last Sunday. Rubiales, however, maintains that the kiss was mutual. He is scheduled to present himself before a judge this coming Friday.
These back-to-back events highlight the urgent need for a thorough re-evaluation of standards and behaviour within Spanish soccer's governing bodies and teams. The incidents have ignited discussions about the pervasive nature of machismo and the need for more stringent measures to prevent such situations in the future.
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