Violent Behavior
Kiss scandal: Grindel protects Rummenigge
Reinhard Grindel protects Karl-Heinz Rummenigge after his statements in the kiss scandal. photo
© Andreas Arnold/dpa
Former DFB President Grindel shows understanding for Rummenigge’s statements in the kiss scandal surrounding Spanish Football Association President Rubiales. The Bayern official is a “loyal man”.
The Spanish association president Luis Rubiales kissed the player Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth without being asked after winning the World Cup final. Rummenigge had expressed understanding for Rubiales’ behavior.
Grindel: expression of loyalty
“When you become world champion, you are emotional. And what he did there is – sorry, with all due respect – absolutely okay,” said Rummenigge (67). In addition, emotionality is important in football, one should “leave the church in the village”.
The 61-year-old Grindel, President of the DFB from 2016 to 2019, explained: “I could imagine that he would phrase it differently today. But I see this statement more as an expression of loyalty to a colleague with whom he works sitting at a table as a trivialization of the matter itself.”
After the incident in Sydney on August 20, Rubiales was provisionally suspended by the world association FIFA. He has so far refused to resign. The Spanish football association RFEF only asked the 46-year-old to do so on Monday.