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Espanyol has accused Barcelona defender Mapi León of “violating the privacy” of Daniela Caracas during a Liga Feminine derby match on Sunday.
The incident occurred in the 15th minute when León and Caracas collided while defending a set-piece. Following the clash, León appeared to touch Caracas near the groin area, leading to widespread condemnation.
Espanyol expressed their “total displeasure ” over the incident, which has gone viral on social media. The club also stated that Caracas has been subjected to “hundreds of social media insults” as a result.
León, however, denied any wrongdoing in a statement. She explained that the contact was part of the game and clarified there was no intention to violate Caracas’s privacy. She claimed the touch was incidental and a reaction to Caracas’s actions during the play. León also condemned the online harassment Caracas has faced and offered her full support.
Espanyol criticized the media focus on the incident, urging that the seriousness of the gesture should not be overshadowed. The club revealed that Caracas, while upset, chose not to react angrily to avoid disciplinary action.
Meanwhile FC Barcelona has released an official statement with comments from Mapi León herself, addressing the public condemnation from the Espanyol club.
“I, Maria Pilar León Cebrián, want to clarify the events from last Sunday’s match against RCD Espanyol and the controversy that has sparked on social media. I feel it is necessary to express the following:
At no point did I violate, nor was it my intention to violate, the privacy of my teammate Daniela Caracas. The images clearly show that it was a game move where she intentionally bumped into me, and I reacted by touching her leg, saying ‘What’s wrong with you?’ There was NO contact with any intimate area, nor was there any intention to do so. It was simply a part of the game, which should not have received such attention or importance.
I would never touch anyone’s private parts, as that goes against my values. I strongly condemn the online harassment Daniela is facing, which has nothing to do with me, and I offer her my full support.
The controversy surrounding my name are aimed at damaging my reputation, spreading manipulated news with other intentions. I am deeply upset and disappointed, and I reserve the right to take legal action against those trying to defame me based on baseless accusations.”
Barcelona won the match 2-0, and León, a key player for the club, remains at the center of the controversy.
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