These women endured the horrifying reality of the Arab sexual assault game ‘Taharrush,’ a tactic of mob harassment that Western women have increasingly faced in their own countries as a consequence of mass Islamic immigration.
RCD Mallorca footballer Dani Rodríguez has strongly criticized the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the Spanish government, accusing them of negligence, cover-ups, and putting money ahead of basic human decency. Rodríguez’s anger comes from horrifying incidents at the recent Supercopa de España tournament in Saudi Arabia, where his wife and other family members of players were victims of sexual harassment and physical assault.
Rodríguez described the violent ordeal his wife, Cristina, and their children went through. Cristina, who was carrying their four-year-old daughter while trying to protect their other two children, aged 13 and six, was harassed and pinned down. “They were surrounded by a crowd, unable to do anything, while people took photos of them and grabbed them without shame. This should never happen at a tournament organized by the Spanish Football Federation,” Rodríguez said. The attackers left the family feeling helpless and violated.
The wife of Mallorca goalkeeper Dominik Greif suffered similar abuse as both women tried to reach the safety of the team bus. They were surrounded by a crowd that took videos, physically grabbed and groped them, and insulted them. Cristina Palavra said they had to move in groups for safety, but even that didn’t stop the harassment.
Quique Darder, father of Mallorca midfielder Sergi Darder, compared the insults and harassment of the women in their group to a “siege” that lasted 15 to 20 minutes before the buses arrived.
RFEF’s Weak Response
Rodríguez slammed the RFEF for their terrible response. “It’s outrageous that the president claims our women don’t know the difference between harassment and crowding,” he said. This dismissive attitude, he argued, was an insult to the victims and an embarrassment to common sense. Instead of taking responsibility, the RFEF tried to play down what happened, making things worse.
Political Silence and Hypocrisy
Rodríguez also criticized the Spanish government for their silence. “Where are the voices that spoke so loudly during the Rubiales case? This was much worse, yet they stay silent. It’s disgusting how economic and political interests are put ahead of human values,” he said.
The Rubiales case refers to the controversy involving Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation, who faced widespread backlash for “forcibly” kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony at the FIFA Women’s World Cup final in 2023. While the incident sparked global outrage and became a symbol of sexism in sports, Rodríguez and others have criticized the disproportionate attention it received compared to more serious issues.
Rodríguez’s remarks highlight the major difference in response, drawing attention to how the Rubiales incident became a global scandal. At the same time, the harassment and physical assaults endured by players’ families in Saudi Arabia have been met with silence. This discrepancy reveals misplaced priorities and exposes the hypocrisy of those in power.
One key reason for this silence appears to be the financial ties between Spain and Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government pays $40 million annually to host the Supercopa de España, making it a lucrative arrangement for the Spanish Football Federation and government. Speaking out against the abuses could jeopardize this deal and strain diplomatic relations. Additionally, leaders may fear not only accusations of cultural insensitivity but also potential violent reactions from Muslims who view any criticism of Islamic practices or beliefs as an affront. This fear of backlash further discourages action and exposes the fragility of Western governments when faced with threats of violence.
Rodríguez called the political class “Spain’s biggest problem” and emphasized that moral principles should matter more than financial agreements. The lack of accountability and outcry, he suggested, reflects a troubling system where money and convenience dictate the moral compass.
Cultural Context of the Attacks
Rodríguez also pointed out the Islamic cultural aspect of the attacks, saying, “They grabbed them, touched them, and put their phones in their faces like they’d never seen a Western woman before. This isn’t just disrespect; it’s a violation of human dignity.”
It seems that the Arabic sexual assault phenomenon known as ‘Taharrush,’ where groups of men in crowds surround women to harass and assault them, played a role in this incident. This practice has been documented in other cases of mob harassment in Islamic societies. As Robert Spencer highlights, the Qur’an permits the taking of non-Muslim women for sexual use, referencing verses such as 4:3, 4:24, 23:1-6, 33:50, and 70:30. Additionally, Qur’anic verse 33:59 states: “O prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their veils close around them. That will be better, so that they may be recognized and not molested. Allah is always forgiving, merciful.” The implication is that women who are not adequately covered may be subjected to abuse, and such abuse could be justified under Islam. Rodríguez’s comments bring attention to these broader societal and cultural issues that contributed to the harassment.
The Islamic religious aspect of these attacks reveals how deeply ingrained beliefs and practices may have fueled the hostile environment, setting the stage for the chaos that unfolded after the match.
What Happened After the Match
The problems started after the game between Real Madrid and Mallorca, in what Rodríguez called a hostile environment. Male members of Mallorca’s delegation were also targeted, facing physical attacks and verbal abuse. Rodríguez himself was slapped and cursed at, but he said the way the women were treated was far worse. “I was slapped and insulted, but what they did to our wives, mothers, and sisters was much worse. They were treated like curiosities, and it’s disgusting.”
Rodríguez blamed the lack of security for the chaos. Both the physical assaults and harassment of family members were a result of the RFEF and tournament organizers failing to do their job. “This is an insult to everyone involved,” he said. “Instead of fixing the problem, they’re just trying to brush it off.”
¿Alguien quiere que se siga jugando la Supercopa de ESPAÑA en Arabia Saudí?
— Offsider (@Offsider_ES) January 9, 2025
Mirad lo que han sufrido los aficionados del Mallorca y me decís. Bochornoso.
🎥 @JUANMISB97 pic.twitter.com/zJS8kxyORu
Organizers Failed Completely
Rodríguez said the RFEF failed to provide proper security during the tournament. He said it was their responsibility to ensure the safety of players, staff, and their families, but they completely failed. “Instead of owning up to it, they’re trying to downplay what happened. That’s unacceptable,” he said.
Mallorca fans at the stadium were also furious about the harassment. One fan said that both women and men were intimidated during and after the match, with some being shoved, mocked, and even hit as they left the stadium. Videos and photos of the incidents, shared widely on social media, are now being used by RCD Mallorca to identify the perpetrators. The club has called for a full investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
A Call for Accountability
Rodríguez’s strong criticism shows how badly the RFEF and Spanish government handled the situation. The incidents at the Supercopa de España, marked by shocking abuses and complete indifference from those in charge, demand answers—not excuses. Rodríguez’s call for an investigation and guarantees of future safety should make everyone rethink how such tournaments are run and how victims are treated afterward.
News Link: https://rairfoundation.com/spanish-wives-professional-football-players-sexually-assaulted-saudi/
