Barcelona defender Mapi Leon responds to allegations
Espanyol have accused Barcelona and Spain defender Mapi Leon of ‘violating the privacy’ of their player Daniela Caracas during a match.
The alleged incident took place in the 15th minute of Sunday’s Catalan derby between the two rivals.
Footage shows Leon coming into contact with Caracas during a set piece. Leon then appears to touch Caracas in the groin area. Leon has since denied ‘violating’ her rival, insisting in a statement she touched Caracas’ leg.
Espanyol released a statement to express their ‘total discontent and condemnation’ following the incident.
‘During the match, Barca 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 also seen Caracas receiving insults on social media.
The club also say they have offered her the club’s legal team should she wish to take any action against Leon.’
Leon issued a statement via her club on Monday night, strongly denying Espanyol’s accusations.
‘At no time did I violate, nor did I have the intention of violating, the privacy of my colleague Daniela Coracas,’ Leon said.
Leon is a key player for Barcelona
‘In the images you can see that it is a game in which she intentionally bumps into me and I touch her leg, saying in reaction to said collision: “What is wrong with you.” There is NO touching of an intimate area nor much less intention to do so.
‘Under no circumstances would it occur to me to touch the private parts of any of my colleagues, it goes against my principles and I would never do it.
‘I condemn the harassment that Daniele is apparently suffering on social media, which has nothing to do with me, and I show my most sincere support.’
29-year-old Leon is a key player for Barcelona, winning five league titles and three Champions Leagues with the club.