Juanma Rodríguez has caused controversy by criticizing the footballer Alexia Putellas, captain of Women's Barça, due to some statements about the possible celebration of the Women's Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. The journalist took the opportunity to launch harsh criticisms toward the player. The statements from both have sparked a great stir, especially in the realm of women's sports.
The central issue: the Women's Super Cup in Arabia
The controversy began when the possibility of holding the Women's Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, a country where women's rights are a subject of debate, started to be considered. In Arabia, women have historically had to fight for their rights and still face significant restrictions compared to other countries. This has caused discomfort among many players, who don't see it as appropriate for women's football to be celebrated in a place where women are so limited.
Alexia Putellas's statements
Alexia Putellas, one of the top figures in women's football, has defended women's rights, both on and off the field. Alexia expressed that she didn't find it appropriate to play the Women's Super Cup in Arabia due to the situation of women in that country. However, she clarified that it was not yet an official decision and that she could not make a definitive statement.
These statements, far from calming the situation, fueled the controversy. Putellas was criticized for not being completely clear in her stance, which led the journalist Juanma Rodríguez to publicly attack her.
Juanma Rodríguez's attack
In a recent program, Juanma Rodríguez took the opportunity to launch strong criticisms at the captain of Barça, calling her a "blackmailer" and "demagogue." According to him, Alexia had not been clear and had played "demagoguery" by not being blunt in her statements. "You have to say that you refuse," commented the journalist, who added that, as a public figure and leader for many young people, Alexia should take a firm stance.
Additionally, Rodríguez accused her of using her position to generate an image of a defender of women's rights, but without taking concrete steps. "You stay silent and sell that what you're doing is to defend women's rights," he commented, suggesting that the player was only seeking personal gain.
The journalist also criticized the player for not clarifying whether she was for or against playing the Women's Super Cup in Arabia.
"Why can't you say yes or no, Alexia? Because it affects your pocket?" Rodríguez launched, suggesting economic interests at play. These statements have caused great discomfort among Alexia Putellas's followers and within women's football. Many consider that the journalist has overstepped and has unjustly attacked the footballer, using words that are not true.