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Spain star Jenni Hermoso insists she “did not enjoy it” after being kissed on the lips by Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales. The incident occurred when Hermoso made her way to the podium after Spain defeated England in the Women’s World Cup final thanks to Olga Carmona’s strike. After being given her medal by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, Hermoso was given a hug by Rubiales, who lifted her off her feet. A brief conversation between the pair followed before Rubiales grabbed Hermoso on her back and kissed her on the lips. Outrage quickly spread on social media, with supporters accusing Rubiales of inappropriate behaviour. Asked about the moment, Hermoso told Spanish TV network La 1: “Eh...yeah, I did not enjoy that.” The World Cup further adds to a glittering career for the 33-year-old Hermoso, with successful spells at Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, while currently featuring for Mexican outfit Pachuca. Carmona’s first-half strike epitomised Spain’s slick style of football and was ultimately enough for Spain to edge out the Lionesses in Sydney, gaining revenge for their defeat in the quarter-finals of last year’s European Championships. Hermoso saw a penalty saved in the second half by England shot-stopper Mary Earps, but the Lionesses could not find an equaliser, with Jorge Vilda’s side holding on for victory. Read More The vital lesson England must take to ‘continue breaking barriers’ despite World Cup final defeat England v Spain LIVE: Reaction to Women’s World Cup final result as Lionesses suffer heartbreak England suffer World Cup heartache as brilliant Spain show Lionesses what’s missing

Valencia have had their partial stadium closure reduced to three matches and their fine cut to 27,000 euros following the racist abuse of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior by fans. The Spanish Football Federation appeals committee said that it had decided to “partially uphold” Valencia’s appeal. It means the partial closure of the Mestalla Stadium has come down from five matches, with an initial 45,000 euros (£39,000) punishment reduced by 18,000 euros. Vinicius threatened to leave the pitch in the second half of Real Madrid’s LaLiga match against Valencia on Sunday after being subjected to alleged monkey chants from the crowd and Madrid, who said the abuse constituted a “hate crime”, filed a complaint with the Spanish State Attorney General’s Office. Valencia had 10 working days to file an appeal to the appeals committee. LaLiga players and officials called for racism to be tackled in Spain in the wake of Sunday’s match. Before Tuesday night’s games between Real Valladolid and Barcelona, and Celta Vigo and Girona, players from both sides, as well as the match officials, stood behind banners which read “Racism, out of football”. Vinicius was set to serve a two or three-match ban after being sent off at Valencia, but Spain’s competition committee – a body formed by one member from LaLiga, one from the Spanish Sports Council (CSD) and one from RFEF (Spanish FA) – has rescinded that red card. LaLiga, meanwhile, said it would request greater jurisdiction to punish clubs whose fans were guilty of racist abuse after feeling “powerless” at the lack of current sanctions in the wake of the latest Vinicius incident. According to the country’s law, LaLiga can currently only identify and report incidents, and punishment is rarely handed out. Four people were arrested in Spain on Tuesday under suspicion of hanging an effigy of Vinicius off a bridge in January. An inflatable doll dressed in a Vinicius shirt was hung from the railings with a banner that read ‘Madrid hates Real Madrid’ ahead of Real’s Copa del Rey game with city rivals Atletico at the start of the year. And Spanish police confirmed on Tuesday that four suspects had been apprehended. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Kris Doolan vows free-scoring Partick will attack Premiership play-off final Jurgen Klopp has ‘no worries’ over Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool Granit Xhaka ‘crucial’ part of surprise Arsenal title challenge – Mikel Arteta

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