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Espanyol have expressed their “total condemnation” of an “unacceptable” incident in which Barcelona’s Mapi León appeared to touch their player Daniela Caracas in the crotch area during Sunday’s Catalan derby in Liga F.
The two players clashed in the 15th minute of the game as they lined up at a set piece, with the Barça centre-back saying something to Caracas while appearing to briefly touch her inappropriately.
León has said that she did not “violate” her opponent and suggested she may take legal action against those she says are “defaming” her.
“Espanyol wish to express total condemnation at events which took place during the game which we consider unacceptable and should not pass unnoticed,” a statement from Espanyol said on Monday.
“During the match, Barça player León, in a struggle with our player, Caracas, made a gesture which violated the privacy of said player.
“At the time, Caracas did not react because of the impact caused by the situation. Later, after assimilating what happened, she became aware of the seriousness of the gesture, but chose not to react angrily to avoid a disciplinary sanction and harming the team.”
Espanyol added that the incident has led to Caracas receiving insults on social media and that they are “concerned that, instead of focusing on the act itself, the media attention has been diverted to other issues unrelated to the seriousness of the action.”
The club also say they have offered Caracas the club’s legal team should she wish to take any action against León.
León responded in a statement released by Barcelona on Monday in which she said the incident was a “simple row” and that she touched her opponent’s leg.
“At no time did I violate, nor did I intend to violate, the privacy of my professional colleague Daniela Caracas,” the statement said.
“In the images you can see that it is a momentary row within the game in which she intentionally bumps into me and I touch her leg, saying to her as a reaction to the bumping: ‘What’s the matter with you?’ There is no touching of the intimate area nor much less the intention to do so. I insist, it is a simple row that does not deserve the diffusion or the importance that the news is acquiring.
“In no case would I ever think of touching any professional colleague’s intimate parts. It goes against my principles and I would never do it.
“I condemn the harassment that Daniela has apparently been suffering on social media, which has nothing to do with me and I offer my sincere support.”
“A noise and controversy has been generated around my name that only seeks to damage my image and principles, spreading news and manipulated actions for other objectives that are evident given what is happening this week.
“I am very upset and disappointed. That is why I reserve the right to take legal action against anyone who intends to take advantage of this situation to damage me and continue defaming me on unfounded evidence.”
ESPN reached out to the Spanish Football Federation for comment but have yet to receive a response. Liga F said any disciplinary action corresponds completely to the federation.
The game was goalless at the time of the clash, with league leaders Barça going on to win 2-0 through late goals from Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo.
