Barcelona's Mapi Leon condemned by Espanyol after controversial actions

Video footage shows Barca's Leon clashing with Espanyol's Caracas in the 15th minute of their league clash on Sunday, a game the Blaugrana won 2-0. The 29-year-old can be seen moving her hand down to her opponent's genitals, with La Voz de Galicia alleging Leon asked, "Do you have a d*ck?". As a result, Espanyol have slammed Leon's actions.

Espanyol's statement reads: "From RCD Espanyol de Barcelona, we want to express our total discontent and condemnation of the events that took place last Sunday, during the derby played at CE Dani Jarque between RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona. This is an action that we consider unacceptable and that should not go unnoticed.

"During a play during the match, FC Barcelona player María Pilar (Mapi) León, in the middle of a scuffle with our player, Daniela Caracas, made a gesture that violated our player's privacy. Although Caracas was unable to react at the time due to the impact caused by the situation, later, when she came to terms with what had happened, she became aware of the seriousness of the gesture, but chose not to react angrily to avoid a disciplinary sanction and harm to the team."

Espanyol added that Caracas was the victim of abuse on social media following the incident and said that they would back her legally if she sought to take action.

The statement reads: "In addition to what happened on the pitch, there is also the regrettable reaction on social media, where our player has been the target of insults from hundreds of profiles. We are concerned that, instead of focusing on the act itself, part of the media attention has been diverted to other issues unrelated to the seriousness of the action.

"At RCD Espanyol we defend our player and condemn any act that threatens the integrity of female footballers on the pitch. We firmly believe in respect and sportsmanship as fundamental values of football and we hope that these types of situations are treated with the seriousness they deserve. In addition, we have made the Club's legal services available to our player in case she wishes to take legal action.

"Furthermore, as RCD Espanyol has done on previous occasions, we wish to express our rejection of any form of violence, whether physical or verbal, in the world of football. Sport must be a space for respect and coexistence, and we condemn any attitude that encourages hatred or aggression on and off the pitch."

It remains to be seen if Leon will face any punishment for her actions, or if Colombian star Caracas will pursue this further. Barca are yet to comment on the incident.