Woody Allen defends Spanish football boss Luis Rubiales over kiss controversy

'He wasn’t raping her, it was just a kiss'

The Spanish FA president kissed Hermoso after her side's victory against England in the Women’s World Cup Final.

Rubiales is facing increasing calls to resign from his position after he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation at the Women’s World Cup final and has also been suspended by FIFA for 90 days.

The Spanish football federation have also called for him to resign, and on Tuesday the men's senior side called Rubiales' behaviour "unacceptable."

Now, film director Woody Allen has weighed in on the scandal now, after he was asked about Rubiales at the Venice Film Festival.

Allen was in attendance in Venice to debut his 50th movie, the romantic-comedy Coup de Chance, which screened on Monday and was met with a five-minute standing ovation.

Afterwards, he was asked by Spanish-language publication El Mundo about the Rubiales scandal.

Whilst Allen said the football boss should apologise to Hermoso, he argued that Rubiales shouldn't lose his job over "just a kiss."

“He wasn’t raping her, it was just a kiss and she was a friend. What’s wrong with that?”

The director added: “In any case, it is difficult to understand that a person can lose their job and be penalised in that way for kissing someone.”

Allen has a controversial figure in recent years, particularly in relation to allegations from his adoptive daughter Dylan Farrow, who has accused him of molesting her as a child.

Allen has denied the allegations, and no charges have been brought against him.

Related links:

England women’s manager dedicates Coach of the Year award to Spain’s national team

Luis Rubiales’ mother released from hospital after three-day hunger strike

BBC forced to make correction after confusing Man City icon for Luis Rubiales