Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales apologizes for Jenni Hermoso kiss that caused outrage

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Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales apologized Monday following a controversial moment during the Women’s World Cup ceremony when he received backlash for kissing Jenni Hermoso. 

Many cringed when they saw Rubiales kiss Hermoso on the lips, putting his hands over her head in the process while on stage during the trophy and medal ceremony. He also added fuel to the vitriol fire when he called critics "idiots."

"I made a mistake, for sure," Rubiales said about the kiss and his reaction, per ESPN.

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Spain's Alexia Putellas and Luis Rubiales  during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Stephanie Meek - CameraSport via Getty Images)

"I have to accept it. In a moment of such emotion, without any bad intention or bad faith, what happened, happened, in a very spontaneous way. [There was] no bad faith from either side."

Hermoso said after the ceremony, "Yeah, I did not enjoy that," per The Telegraph. However, she downplayed that comment later, telling Cadena COPE that the gesture from Rubiales was "no big deal."

SPANISH FA PRESIDENT'S KISS ON JENNIFER HERMOSO AFTER WOMEN'S WORLD CUP VICTORY SPARKS CONTROVERSY

"It was a mutual, totally spontaneous gesture because of the huge joy of winning a World Cup," she said. "The 'presi' and I have a great relationship. His behavior with us has been a '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."

Rubiales said, "We saw it as