Mud Stain on the Los Blancos: Three Real Madrid youth players arrested over sexual video with minor

A recent development has sent shockwaves through the world of Spanish soccer, as three Real Madrid youth players were arrested on Thursday for their alleged involvement in distributing a sexual video featuring a minor. The arrests have reignited the ongoing debate about sexism and macho behavior within the sport.

The players, who are not minors themselves, were later released following a court decision and after their mobile phones were seized for further investigation, according to a statement from the Spanish police.

The case revolves around a complaint filed by the mother of a 16-year-old girl in the Canary Islands. The complaint alleges that the players recorded sexual relations with the minor without her consent in June, and the girl recently became aware of the video. Although the girl maintained that the relationship was consensual, the recording itself was made without her knowledge or approval.

The arrests come at a time when Spanish soccer is already grappling with allegations of sexual abuse. Former soccer federation chief Luis Rubiales faced accusations of misconduct after he kissed Spain’s World Cup winner, Jenni Hermoso, on the lips last month. This incident triggered a wave of indignation akin to the #MeToo movement.

Luis Rubiales ultimately resigned from his position on Sunday after weeks of resistance to calls for his departure. He is set to appear before a judge on Friday and continues to assert that the kiss was mutual and consensual.

The arrests of the three Real Madrid youth players took place at the Real Madrid sports complex in Madrid, and an additional player is currently under investigation in connection with the case. Notably, one of those arrested is a reserve team player, while the other two are part of the third team.

Real Madrid has issued a brief statement acknowledging that a total of four youth team players were questioned by the police “in connection with a complaint about an alleged release of a private video via the WhatsApp messaging system.”

According to reports in El Confidencial newspaper, the primary focus of the investigation is on a player from the third team who allegedly recorded his sexual relationship with the 16-year-old victim. All three players involved are suspected of committing a felony known in Spanish criminal law as “revealing secrets of a sexual nature,” as confirmed by a police spokesperson.

This troubling incident has cast a shadow over one of the most prominent football clubs in the world and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing issues related to consent, privacy, and appropriate behavior within the sports community. The case is likely to raise further questions about the responsibility of sports organizations to foster a culture of respect and accountability.

Source: The Business Standard