Barcelona, Spain – Espanyol has lodged a complaint against Barcelona defender Mapi Leon, accusing her of “violating the privacy” of their player, Daniela Caracas, during a recent Liga F derby.
The incident occurred in the 15th minute of Sunday’s match when Leon and Caracas clashed during a set-piece. Leon appeared to touch Caracas in the groin area, an action Espanyol has strongly condemned.
The club expressed “total discontent and condemnation” of the incident, a video clip of which has quickly spread online. Espanyol also stated that Caracas has been subjected to “hundreds of social media insults” following the incident.
Leon issued a statement denying any wrongdoing. She claimed that the contact was part of a normal play, initiated by Caracas touching her first. Leon stated that she then touched Caracas’ leg, saying “what’s up with you,” in reaction to the initial contact. “There is no contact with her private parts, and certainly no intention,” Leon asserted. She also condemned the online harassment directed at Caracas, offering her “most sincere support.”
Espanyol, in their own statement, described the action as “unacceptable and that should not go unnoticed.” They explained that while Caracas didn’t react immediately, she later recognized the seriousness of the gesture but chose not to react angrily to avoid disciplinary action and potential harm to her team.
