Spain's Jenni Hermoso dismisses Luis Rubiales kiss amid outcry - ESPN

Spain forward Jenni Hermoso has dismissed Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales' kiss during the post-World Cup final medal presentation as a «spontaneous gesture» blaming «the emotion of the moment.»

Rubiales has received widespread criticism for the incident, including from Spain's equality minister who described it as «sexual violence.»

Rubiales greeted Hermoso on the podium by grabbing her head in his hands and kissing her on the lips, although he has hit back saying those who condemned his actions are «idiots.»

Hermoso, who is Spain's all-time leading goal scorer, had a second-half penalty saved by England goalkeeper Mary Earps before Spain clinched a 1-0 victory to win their first world title.

«It was the emotion of the moment,» Hermoso told Cadena COPE on Sunday. «There's nothing else there. It's no big deal.»

«It was a mutual, totally spontaneous gesture because of the huge joy of winning a World Cup,» she later told the news agency EFE. «The 'presi' and I have a great relationship. His behaviour with us has been a '10' [out of 10.] It was a natural gesture, of affection and gratitude… We've won a World Cup and we won't get away from what's important.»

Hermoso, 33, had earlier joked that she «didn't like» the kiss during a live stream on Instagram.

Hermoso, who was seen drinking champagne, appeared to indicate she couldn't do anything about the kiss by adding: «But what do I do? Look at me? Look at me?»

When asked about the incident by Radio Marca, Rubiales described people condemning his actions as «idiots.»

«There are idiots everywhere,» Rubiales said. «When two people have a gesture of affection, that isn't important, we can't pay attention to idiocy. We're [world] champions and I'll focus