When an injustice shakes society, silence, lukewarmness and equidistance are always bad advisers. Barça, the engine of women's football in Spain and proud defender of its identity values, sinned by a lack of forcefulness in its first statement about Luis Rubiales. The club condemned the behavior of the president of the Federation, but did not ask for his resignation and added that his "explanations have been sufficient for the members present in the assembly". Too cold words, especially when compared to the firmness of other teams. A message that did no honor to a century-old entity that prides itself on supporting all democratic principles, such as equality between men and women.
The club's official stance drew criticism. "They have not lived up to our history, they have put certain non-specific interests above", denounced a group of club members in a statement headed by Senator Jaume Llopis. Other representatives of the organization partially washed Barça's face. "All the support to all the women who suffer from the unacceptable and disgusting prevailing masculinity. I consider immediate resignation necessary. New airs are needed!", the institutional vice-president, Elena Fort, said on social networks, in a personal capacity, followed by the Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernández: "All my unconditional support for Jenni Hermoso and the players for they are living The behavior of the president of the RFEF seems unacceptable to me".
Two days after the assembly of the Federation, an immensity of time considering that there were reactions every minute, the president of Barcelona, Joan Laporta, broke his silence and clarified Barça's position. "I reiterate that Rubiales' behavior is unacceptable, inappropriate and regrettable, even shameful, I would say. In no case did we want to exonerate him. We give unconditional support to the players. Jenni Hermoso, I'm on your side", explained the manager at the preview of the match against Villarreal.
From Barça they believed that the president of the Federation would "resign" at the assembly, because "he had no choice". A day after entrenching himself in the chair, Rubiales was provisionally disqualified. "We respect the decision of FIFA", added the leader of the club. Perhaps aware that they had not been up to it, or at least that they had not explained themselves well, Laporta reinforced the club's commitment to social causes. "I want it to be clear that Barça strongly, forcefully and unconditionally condemns any act of sexist violence. Therefore, we condemn all abuse and harassment of women", insisted the president, who also highlighted the club's "commitment to women's football and to equality between men and women". "We will report acts that go against our principles and statutes. Despite the fact that there are those who have not interpreted it that way", corrected Joan Laporta, albeit days late.
