Luis Rubiales Egged at His Book Launch in Madrid

Post by : Mara Rahim

In a surprising turn of events, former president of the Spanish Football Association, Luis Rubiales, encountered a shocking incident at the launch of his book, “Matar a Rubiales” in Madrid. As he spoke about the work that narrates his life and controversies, an individual in the audience began throwing eggs at him, creating a scene of chaos and panic.

Rubiales later divulged to Radio MARCA that the egg-thrower was not a stranger; it was his own uncle. He described his uncle's long history of being a troublemaker, leading to numerous past issues. Initially, Rubiales feared that his uncle may have posed a greater threat as he rushed toward him, thinking he might be wielding a weapon. It was only after the eggs were thrown that he grasped the actual situation.

The launch was held at Espacio Eventize in Madrid, attended by many eager to hear Rubiales discuss his new book, which details the public scrutiny he has faced throughout his career. The sudden outburst shocked the audience, prompting security personnel to intervene rapidly. The atmosphere shifted from anticipation to tension in mere moments, yet Rubiales managed to continue his talk afterward.

Since 2023, Rubiales has been embroiled in national and international controversies. Notably, he faced backlash after kissing footballer Jenni Hermoso without consent during the 2023 Women’s World Cup celebrations. This incident triggered widespread condemnation from various quarters, including women’s rights advocates, athletes, and officials who decried it as a blatant act of sexism and misuse of authority in sports.

Furthermore, the Spanish High Court found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for the unwanted kiss in February, ruling that Hermoso had not consented and deeming his actions inappropriate. Consequently, he was sentenced to a fine exceeding 10,000 euros, alongside a three-year ban imposed by FIFA from all football-related endeavors.

The ongoing saga has ignited broader discussions within Spain regarding sexism and the abuse of power. Women's football players and advocacy groups voiced their concerns, bolstering the narrative of the “Me Too” movement in Spain, prompting more women to share their stories of mistreatment.

Rubiales intended for “Matar a Rubiales” to project his perspectives on events that drastically altered his life and career. The book covers the immense public pressure he endured, the legal challenges, and the media portrayal he navigated. The egg incident at his launch has now added a new dimension to its already controversial reception.

The egg attack incident serves as a stark reminder of Rubiales' current sensitive public standing. While no one was harmed, the emotional impact and unexpected nature of the occurrence highlight how precarious his situation remains. The event encapsulates the divisions in public opinion regarding him in Spain.

What began as a routine book presentation morphed into a dramatic ordeal for Luis Rubiales. The egging by his uncle complicates an already fraught public image. As Rubiales seeks to share his narrative through his book, the controversies surrounding him continue unabated. The egging at the Madrid launch is likely to become another significant event in his public journey.