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      ‘There is no easy game as every team is getting closer to each other’, says Tottenham’s Luana Buhler 

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      LUANA BUHLER has no qualms about overcoming big obstacles in football – having battled back from two serious knee injuries in her teens. Today the versatile Switzerland defender, 28, wants Tottenham to pull off the big challenge of dispatching Arsenal in their WSL derby duel.Luana Buhler hopes Tottenham can defeat Arsenal for the first time at the Emirates in a WSL derbyBuhler and her team-mates hope to return to winning ways following a narrow 1-0 loss to Man United last time outCredit: GettyIt was at the age of 15 playing with Swiss boys team FC Schotz, and then at 19 in for women’s side FC Zurich, that Buhler suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. For Buhler, who began her senior playing career at FC Zürich in 2016, having the support of family and friends and the determination to come back stronger to fulfil her football dream was key. The 54-capped Switzerland, who spent five years at German side Hoffenheim before her 2023 Tottenham move said: “The first injury was (sustained whilst playing) with a boys’ team. “It was at an age where you grow a lot as a girl but maybe don’t have the support yet that was needed back then. Read More Football Stories “At that time, the support with athletic coaches, even strength training, wasn’t even a topic yet, so I think that was something that was also caused a little bit by the circumstances. “With my second one (ACL injury) I was quite lucky with the medical staff and everything around being developed much better. “I was in a women’s environment already (at FC Zurich) and there I had more professional help during my rehab“That also helped me to come back in a better state and quite strong. Most read in Football“When you have an injury that big, all you just want to do is come back and play again. “I was quite young when those injuries came. “It was probably one of the toughest times during my career. It challenged me emotionally and physically.“But these were also the times where I would learn the most about being patient and showing resilience.”Resilience is something that Buhler and her Tottenham team-mates have had to rely on at times this season since losing their last derby clash with Arsenal. Following that 3-0 home loss last November her side, who are sixth in the WSL, have won five and drawn one of their last nine games across all competitions. Buhler sees this term as one of ups and downs for Robert Vilhamn’s aces who are yet to beat the Gunners away in the top tier. But the defender is confident Tottenham can give Arsenal a run for their money at the Emirates this afternoon, having beaten them for the first time in a top-flight duel in December 2023. She adds: “We could see when we won our first (WSL) game against Arsenal, that the gap is, in my opinion, closing (in these games). “There’s no easy game anymore because every team is getting closer to each other. “We want to challenge them as much as we can.”Today’s 12:30pm clash could see Buhler, who was born in Lucerne, central Switzerland, battle her national team-mate Lia Walti. Like Buhler, the tenacious midfielder played in Germany’s top-flight for Turbine Potsdam before making a move to the WSL and joining Arsenal in 2018. Since then Walti has won three trophies with the Gunners, who are third in the league including a WSL title back in 2019. Buhler said: “Lia is a really great player and also a leader for us in the national team. “As a team we are really lucky to have her. On the other hand she’s a tough player to play against. “There are so many good individual players at Arsenal who will challenge us as a team. “I’m really looking forward to it because it’s the greatest thing to go against the best players in Europe.”Prior to joining Tottenham Buhler, who is studying for a masters degree in business, has experienced playing in the Champions League with her former clubs FC Zurich and Hoffenheim. And long with Walti the Tottenham ace is looking forward to making history with her national team, when Switzerland hosts the Women’s Euros for the first time this year. Her side, currently ranked as the 23rd best side in the world, will take on Norway in their group stage opener on July 2 in Basel. And Buhler hopes the tournament will lead to greater support for girls’ grassroots teams in her country and improving the infrastructure of the women’s game there. The Switzerland international said: “We’re still a little bit behind in the whole development of infrastructure and grassroots teams. “I hope this can give a real boost to women’s football and sports in general for girls and women in Switzerland. “There are not enough opportunities for girls in comparison to the boys. “There is, on basic levels, infrastructure missing and even teams are missing. Tottenham hope to produce a repeat of the performance that led to their 1-0 defeat of Arsenal in the top tier in December 2023Credit: Sunday Times“I know from girls in my hometown that they still struggle to find a (football) team with whom they can participate.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That’s one of the first things we need to change, to have those infrastructures for all the boys and girls at the same level.“I would like to see more visibility of women’s football in general.” More

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      ‘It was a tough time but I’m ready to move forward’, says England ace Chloe Kelly ahead of second Arsenal debut

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      CHLOE KELLY vows she has moved on from the “dark time” that led her to leaving Manchester City for a temporary Arsenal move. The Gunners loan star hopes the London club, where she began her senior playing career, can keep their “foot on the gas” in the chase for silverware. Chloe Kelly is in line to make her second debut for Arsenal following her January loan move to the clubCredit: GettyThe England forward joined the Gunners on loan from Manchester City and hopes to get more game time after making one top-flight start so far this seasonCredit: GettyKelly and her Arsenal team-mates are due to play Tottenham at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon with a crowd of more than 50,000 expected at the matchCredit: EPAIt was on January 30 this year, the  final day for player transfers between Women’s Super League clubs this winter, that Kelly learned Arsenal wanted to sign her. On that date the forward, 27,  whose team hosts Tottenham tomorrow, spent some time at a driving range with her husband Scott whom she married last August. Arsenal’s WSL rivals Brighton and Manchester United were also battling for her signature before the Gunners’ dramatic late bid.Kelly, who was practicing golf on transfer deadline day, hopes to help the club emerge as big hitters in the battle for trophies in the final stretch of this term. Read More Football Stories Her switch to the north London giants, from fourth-placed City, was revealed by the club three minutes before the 11pm deadline for WSL player moves. It was out of my hands of what was going to be accepted. But it was definitely exciting when Arsenal called.Chloe KellyAnd tomorrow, 17 days on from her sealing a return to the Gunners, the forward could be set to play when the third-placed side host Tottenham at the Emirates. Reflecting on the moment she learned of Arsenal’s interest, Kelly said: “He (my husband) was sat playing FIFA and he said, ‘let’s go and just get out the house’ “So we went to the driving range and Arsenal contacted (my agent) and there were great conversations. Most read in Football”I remember calling my family straight away to tell them.”My brother went upstairs, put his Arsenal shirt on. I felt my family were really excited for the move as well, which put a smile on my face.”Kelly’s move has seen her join some of her England pals who play for Arsenal. Her fellow national team stars at the club are Lioness skipper Leah Williams, defender Lotte Wubben-Moy, forward Beth Mead and striker Alessia Russo.  When asked if any of her Gunners and England pals had spoken to her once they heard of the late bid, Kelly added: “They were all messaging me”They had seen the news that I could be coming and they were like, ‘are you coming?’ “It was quite short one-word answers (in reply) to them like, ‘I don’t know, we’ll see’. “But as soon as I stepped into the changing room, I felt such warmth and the girls have been incredible.”It was out of my hands of what was going to be accepted etc; “But it was definitely excited when Arsenal did call. “That’s somewhere where I grew up playing and where I learned so much in my trade. “I’m really excited to give back to this club because they’ve given me an opportunity to put a smile on my face and also to play the game that we love.”Kelly’s return to the side where she made her breakthrough at a senior level at 17, was preceded by her releasing an explosive and candid public statement. In it the Lioness expressed her desire to “be happy again” and described concerns of her “dreams being crushed” after struggling for game time at City this term.The London-born forward hopes to regain a place in England’s squad ahead this year’s Euros. But the first five months of this term saw her opportunities to start for Gareth Taylor’s City side limited. So far this season, the scorer of England’s’ tournament-winning goal at the 2022 Euros has started in one WSL fixture. This in contrast to her 18 top-flight starts in 21 appearances in the previous campaign. A run that helped the Cityzens take the title race to the wire before they finished second on goal difference. This Sunday, against Tottenham, Kelly could potentially be named in a first XI line-up of a top tier fixture for the first time since October 6.Her last first team outing in the league was during a 2-0 Man City defeat of West Ham. It was a relief that I had spoken in how I needed to speak and whether my move got over the line or not. Chloe KellyOn how this season has at times felt for her due to the lack of match action, Kelly said: “It’s been tough mentally. It’s been draining at times. “But I’m a professional and I know I hold myself to a high level. “However I think as a human, it was a tough time for me and I’m ready to move forward now.”Kelly’s statement was issued with the forward entering the final months of her contract with Man City. Her current deal with her parent club is due to expire in June with the player becoming a free agent then.Of her mindset at certain points this term and how she felt about issuing a public statement, Kelly added: “It was still a dark time for me because I didn’t know how my future looked.”It was a relief that I had spoken in how I needed to speak and whether my move got over the line or not. “I was grateful to be able to share my words.”Despite the fallout that surrounded her loan move away from City, Kelly is grateful for the special moments shared with her team-mates there and the club’s supporters. Since joining the Cityzens in 2020 after four years at Everton, Kelly has lifted an FA Cup and Women’s League Cup. The 48-capped England ace said: “I’m very grateful for the memories I created at the club and the relationships I built with amazing players”I went there for success and won a couple of trophies as well so I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent the badge.”Sometimes in life you can’t write the future, but you can always make sure that you’re the best person every day”I try to be the best professional and the best person every day for my team-mates and that was really important for me as a human being but as a team-mate too.”Kelly’s recovery from a knee ligament tear sustained in May 2021 was followed by the forward’s inclusion in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for the Euros a year later. The Lionesses’ historic triumph in the tournament’s final marked an international high point for Kelly. Chloe Kelly hopes to earn a place in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for this year’s Euros with the Lionesses targeting a second tournament triumphCredit: PAHer memorable close-range finish sealed a 2-1 Wembley victory over Germany in front of a record crowd of 87,192. Earlier this week Wiegman revealed Kelly had been dropped from the national squad ahead of their Women’s Nations League duels with Portugal and Spain this month. However the Lioness boss suggested the door was not closed on the forward potentially returning to the national side. And with another European Championship on the horizon, and England targeting back-to-back contest wins, she intends to give Wiegman a selection headache. The Arsenal ace added “It’s everyone’s dream to play for England but it’s not a given. “I need to work and get back on the pitch and show what I’m capable of before that. “Sarina has been incredible throughout the process. “I’m excited to hopefully be at my best here (Arsenal) to be able to put the shirt on that I enjoy doing so much.”Before her Arsenal return, Kelly’s last goal in a Gunners shirt was netted in June 2017 when she scored against Bristol City. Sunday could see her back in WSL action for the Gunners making her second debut for the club at the Emirates in the North London derby. Renee Slegers’ side are eager to try and gain ground on league leaders Chelsea who have a nine-point advantageKelly added:  “I’m ready for the fight again and to show what I’m capable of. Chloe Kelly’s last appearance for Arsenal against Tottenham was back in March 2017 when the team won an FA Cup fifth round duelCredit: Getty“I’m really looking forward to stepping out and hearing the noise from our fans. “I’ve been involved in being around the squad for the last three games, the last two games at home. READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s been amazing to hear the fans and they really get behind the girls.Arsenal’s game against Tottenham will be broadcast live on BBC Two at 12:30pm on February 16. 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      Gunners captain Kim Little signs new deal with Arsenal 17 years on from joining women’s top-flight giants

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      KIM LITTLE hopes to savour more special moments with Arsenal after extending her contract with the club.The new deal will see the veteran Gunners skipper continue her career with their WSL side until at least June 2026. Kim Little says playing for Arsenal has brought her many special momentsThe Gunners captain hopes to win more silverware with the club having them to win six league titles, three FA Cups and six league cupsLittle and her team-mates are due to face Tottenham the WSL on Sunday at the EmiratesIt follows the club exercising their option to extend her contract.  Little, 34, who is set to face Tottenham in the WSL North London derby this Sunday, said: “I’m delighted to extend my contract and play another year with Arsenal. “It’s quite unique to play for a club for the length of time I have, and I don’t take that for granted. “That time brings many special moments, and I look forward to making a few more of them.”Read More Football StoriesLittle, who began her senior playing career with Scottish Women’s Premier League outfit Hibernian, joined the Gunners at 17 in 2008.The former Scotland playmaker, regarded as one of the best players of her generation, has gone on to become the team’s third highest appearance maker.Her silverware wins with the club includes six league titles, three FA Cups and six Women’s League CupsThe player, who was awarded an MBE for services to football in 2023, has made 363 appearances for the team. Most read in FootballGunners women’s football director Clare Wheatley said: “Kim is one of the very best – as a player and as our captain. “She continues to help drive us forward and set standards on and off the pitch. “We value Kim’s contribution immensely, and I know our supporters will be thrilled that Kim’s Arsenal journey is continuing.”Little, who has scored 174 times for Arsenal, began her football journey playing for a primary school boys’ team in Mintlaw, the village where she grew up in Aberdeenshire. Her senior club career includes her first Gunners stint from 2008 to 2013 before two seasons with US side Seattle reign and a one-term loan spell at Australian outfit Melbourne City. After rejoining Arsenal in 2017, Little went on to help them win their fifth League Cup in March 2018. This followed the midfielder recovering from a knee ligament rupture sustained in May the year before. In 2018-19 Little played 11 times in the top tier for the Arsenal side that won the WSL title under their former gaffer Joe Montemurro. At present their chances of a title win this term look slim with the team fourth and ten points behind league leaders Chelsea. However the Gunners are eager to add more trophies to their collection having reached the quarter-final stages of the Champions League and the FA Cup. Arsenal boss Renee Slegers says Kim Little has important role to play in her team’s trophy chaseCredit: PAAnd head coach Renee Slegers insists Little has a significant role to play in Arsenal’s push for more silverware READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Gunners boss said: “Kim is a wonderful footballer and captain and has an important part to play in the goals we want to achieve. “I’ve learned so much from working with Kim and I’m looking forward to that continuing as we aim to win trophies together.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman says ‘less minutes’ at club level is behind decision to drop England ace Chloe Kelly

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      SARINA WIEGMAN hinted the door is still open for Chloe Kelly to win an England squad spot again despite the forward being dropped.  Kelly, 27, was among the high-profile omissions from the group named ahead of their Nations League duels with Portugal and Spain.Chloe Kelly will miss England’s upcoming Nations League games against Portugal and Spain after being dropped from the Lionesses squadEngland boss Sarina Wiegman insists Kelly still has a chance to make the Euros if she gets game time and impresses at Arsenal More

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      Women’s football star ‘violates rival’s intimacy’ with sick gesture and vile comment during on-pitch scuffle

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      A SPANISH woman footballer is at the centre of a storm after touching a rival’s private parts and appearing to say ‘Have you got a ‘d**k?’ during a brief pitch bust-up.TV cameras clearly picked up the moment Barcelona defender Mapi Leon deliberately touched Espanyol footballer Daniela Caracas’ genitals as the alleged sex assault victim prepared to defend a corner during a fiercely-contested derby match yesterday.Barcelona’s Mapi Leon clashed with Daniela CaracasCredit: Liga F via X formerly TwitterShe appeared to reach and touch Caracas below the beltlineCredit: Liga F via X formerly TwitterEspanyol have slammed the Barcelona starCredit: RexSpanish media and social media amateur lip readers reported the slur 29-year-old Leon, capped more than 50 times by her national team, fired off at Colombian-born Caracas during a brief push-and-shove struggle before and after the extraordinary crotch grab seemed to be ‘Tienes picha?The offensive expression would translate into English as ‘Have you got a d**k?’Barcelona’s city rivals Espanyol today released an official statement criticising Mapi Leon’s actions and vowing to support Daniela if she decided to press charges.The Catalan club said in a statement, calling Mapi Leon by her full name Maria Pilar Leon: “We would like to express our total discontent and condemnation of the events that took place yesterday during the derby match between RCD Espanyol and Barcelona FC at the Dani Jarque stadium.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“It is an action that we consider unacceptable and that should not go unnoticed.“During the match, the FC Barcelona player María Pilar Leon, in the middle of a struggle with our player, Daniela Caracas, made a gesture that violated the player’s intimacy.“At the time Daniela was unable to react because of the impact caused by the situation.“Later on when she assimilated what happened she became aware of the seriousness of the gesture, but chose not to react angrily to avoid a disciplinary sanction and harm the team.Most read in Football“In addition to what happened on the pitch, there has been a 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 its seriousness.Football teams that controversially changed their badge“RCD Espanyol defends our player and condemns any act that threatens the integrity of the players on the pitch.“We firmly believe in respect and sportsmanship as fundamental values in football and we hope that this type of situation will be treated with the seriousness it deserves.“Furthermore, we have made the club’s legal services available to our player should she wish to take legal action.“Likewise, 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 should be a place of respect and coexistence, and we condemn any attitude that encourages hatred or aggression on and off the pitch.”Barcelona and the player at the centre of the controversy have not yet offered any official reaction.Espanyol lost 2-0 to the league leaders, with a 73rd-minute goal from Graham Hansen and another three minutes later by Salma Paralluelo.Mapi Leon was one of the footballers who said she didn’t want to play for her country again unless there were structural changes in the Spanish FA following the scandal unleashed by the kiss Luis Rubiales gave Jenni Hermoso after the 2023 women’s World Cup and his initial refusal to resign.The former Spanish FA president is currently on trial for sexual assault and coercion over the kiss Jenni says was unwanted.Critics were accusing Mapi Leon of double standards today.One said: “This is really serious. I hope it finishes in a court of law.”Another said: “I hope they take measures like they did with Rubiales.“A sexual assault is where there’s no consent right?”READ MORE SUN STORIESVinnie Jones famously squeezed Paul Gascoigne’s lunchbox during Wimbledon’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle in February 1988.It was caught on camera and went on to become one of the most iconic photographs in the history of English football. More

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      Beth Merrick says Wolves will not be counting themselves out in Women’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United

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      BETH MERRICK loves juggling her passion for education with playing for Wolves Women’s Championship promotion chasers. Tonight, the lifelong Wolves fan and secondary school PE teacher, 29, hopes to inspire the next generation in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round. Beth Merrick and her Wolverhampton team-mates are set for a huge test in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round against Man UnitedCredit: GettyPE teacher Merrick says pupils at the Staffordshire secondary school she works at are relishing seeing her in action against United’s starsCredit: GettyLifelong Wolves fan Merrick hopes to see a record turnout for their FA Cup game at SEAH Stadium in TelfordAnd that is by knocking out holders Manchester United in what would be a huge giant-killing. Merrick and her hungry third-tier Wolves pals will go for the jugular when they face a United side, whose stars include England Euros winner Ella Toone. Meanwhile her students are relishing the prospect of watching their teacher take on the Red Devils. Midfielder Merrick, who works in the Staffordshire city of Lichfield, said:Read More Football Stories”I’ve got girls who will be going to a match for the first time “Students that have never been really interested in football that are just excited to come and watch me share a pitch with people who they’ve heard are good at football. “I’ve had so much excitement (from my pupils) and Ella Toone has been the big one in terms (of the players) on everyone’s minds. “There are going to be some really happy children from my school who will be watching their football heroes and watching their teacher share a pitch with these heroes.”Most read in FootballLast year’s FA Cup final decider between United and Tottenham at Wembley, which ended as a 4-0 triumph for the Red Devils attracted a crowd of 76,082. This was just 1,302 shy of the record-breaking number of spectators that watched Chelsea beat the holders 1-0 in the final the year before. And Wolves, who are coached by RAF aircraft technician Dan McNamara, hope to see a record turnout at their 6,300-capacity SEAH Stadium in Telford at 5:15pm this evening. Merrick adds: “Our club has grown so much and women’s football has been growing anyway. “It’s an emerging sport in its own right compared to men’s football.”The way that it’s gone and the way that it’s been has changed dramatically. “At the school I work at I’ve been hearing comments in the last couple of weeks where girls are mentioning the fact of, ‘oh my God, you’ll be playing against Ella Toone!’ “Just that in itself and the fact they can name a Man United Women’s player is a really big opportunity to showcase that.”Merrick’s journey as a footballer began at the age of seven when she entered Wolves’ Centre of Excellence. After six years in their youth system she would spend a decade at Aston Villa before spells with Sheffield United and Coventry before returning to Wolverhampton. The former England Under-23 international had a chance to become a full-time player during her Villa days. She was also part of the side that competed in the Women’s Championship in 2015. But for Merrick being able to balance her teaching career with her job on the pitch is important. Man United boss Marc Skinner hopes to guide his side to back-to-back Women’s FA Cup trophy winsCredit: PAShe said: “At Villa the opportunity was there to be full-time, but I turned it down so that I could do bothREAD MORE SUN STORIES”Having students that I’ve managed to inspire and the comments I have had (from them) over the last few weeks on this game alone has been amazing. “That’s all from the growth of women’s football and the hard work that people have put in and others that have paved the way for us.” More

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      Arsenal and Man City fan groups slam ‘appalling’ racist and misogynistic abuse aimed at Khadija Shaw

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      SUPPORTERS groups of Manchester City and Arsenal women’s sides have condemned the racist and misogynistic abuse directed at Khadija Shaw.The City striker was the target of abusive messages following her team’s WSL clash with the Gunners at Joie Stadium on Sunday.Manchester City say the abusive content sent to Khadija Shaw has been shared with authoritiesCredit: AlamyThe Man City striker was the target of racist and misogynistic abuse following her team’s top-flight clash with Arsenal on February 2Credit: AlamyMan City and Arsenal are set to face each other in the semi-final of the Women’s League CupCredit: PAThe club, whose side are fourth in the Women’s Super League, slammed the “disgusting treatment” of Shaw, who played her 100th game for City on February 2. The Jamaica international, who finished as the top-flight’s top scorer last season, made an appearance in the second half of the fixture which the Cityzens lost 4-3 to Arsenal. Messages sent to Shaw have been shared with authorities by Man City. The club say they are offering their full support to the striker whose team are due to face the Gunners in a Women’s League Cup semi-final clash tomorrow evening at 7pm. Read More Football StoriesShaw is in line to make her third appearance following her return to action from a lower leg injury sustained last December.In a statement yesterday, the club said: “Manchester City were appalled to learn that Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw was subjected to racist and misogynistic abuse following Sunday’s fixture.”Discrimination of any kind, either in stadiums or online, will not be tolerated and has absolutely no place inside or outside the game.”Bunny has decided not to share the messages publicly so as not to give the oxygen of publicity to the vile individuals who sent them.Most read in Football”The content has been shared with the authorities. An investigation will follow and the club offers our full support to Bunny following the disgusting treatment she’s received.”Shaw, who joined the Cityzens from French club Bordeaux in June 2021, won last season’s WSL Golden Boot after netting 21 times in 18 WSL games. The Jamaica star is currently leading this term’s scorers charts with nine goals in 11 top-flight games.Following Man City’s statement, fan groups of Arsenal and Man City took to social media to express their “disgust” at the abuse of Shaw. They were also backed by Chelsea supporters group Chelsea Pride. In a post shared via the platform X, Man City Women’s Official Supporters wrote: “We join the club in expressing the utmost disgust for this appalling abuse, and stand with both them and Bunny in condemning this type of behaviour. “Nobody should have to put up with racial or misogynistic  abuse at any time, end of!” Arsenal Women’s Supporters Trust added: “Unacceptable behaviour, and we’re deeply saddened to hear that Khadija has been targeted in such a horrible way. “There is no place for racism or discrimination at any level, yet it continues to happen. “This cannot be tolerated. We stand with Khadija and send our love and support.”And Chelsea Pride stated: “This is completely unacceptable and must be condemned by everyone across the game, clubs, governing bodies, and supporters alike.”Hate has no place in football.”Man City’s statement came a day after Chelsea skipper Millie Bright was the target of expletive-laden insults from a fan during the Blues 1-0 win against Aston Villa on Sunday. Millie Bright hopes supporters will be mindful with the comments they direct at playersCredit: GettyThe England vice-captain has called on the sport’s followers to be more “mindful” with their comments. READ MORE SUN STORIESBright said: “Every game we give our absolute all and it won’t always be pretty or perfect.”But just remember we give everything to be the best for you, so this experience was hugely disappointing especially from a fan (who was) sat in the Chelsea section.” More

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      Kiss ruined happiest day of my life, Spain World Cup star Jenni Hermoso tells Luis Rubiales as sex assault trial begins

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      SPAIN’S World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso has told a court that former football chief Luis Rubiales’ forced kiss “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”Hermoso, 34, was the first witness to appear at a court in Madrid as Rubiales’ sexual assault trial began on Monday.Jenni Hermoso is seen testifying on day one of Luis Rubiales’ trial in Madrid, SpainCredit: ReutersThe moment where Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips after their World Cup winCredit: EnterpriseAxed Spanish FA boss Rubiales – seen in court today – could face up to two and a half years in prisonCredit: ReutersHermoso pictured arriving at the court of San Fernando de Henares on Monday morningCredit: AFPRubiales, 47, is accused of sexual assault and coercion over the kiss he planted on Hermoso at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Sydney, where Spain defeated England.The former Spanish FA boss, who initially refused to resign and dismissed the controversy as a “witch hunt by fake feminism,” faces up to two and a half years in prison if convicted.Rubiales has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, insisting the kiss was a “peck between friends celebrating.”Taking the stand at Madrid’s Audiencia Nacional court, Hermoso described how Rubiales grabbed her head and kissed her without consent.Read more on Luis Rubiales”I didn’t hear or understand anything,” she told the court.”The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth.”I felt it was totally out of place and I then realised my boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or work setting.”A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so.”Most read in FootballShe added: “As a woman I felt disrespected. It was a moment that stained one of the happiest days of my life.”Hermoso said the pressure campaign left her fearful for her safety, forcing her to leave Madrid.Luis Rubiales Desperate Move: Controversial Video Sent to FIFA to Prove Innocence“From the first moment I reached Spain I had cameras after me 24 hours, people following me, people taking photos while I was having breakfast with my family. I had to leave Madrid with my family,” she said.“I felt fear at times of being in the street. I received death threats and messages of all types and we had to leave Madrid because the situation was unbearable.”It was a change in my life and I still say my life changed from that minute.”‘A statement I hadn’t written’The court also heard that just hours after the kiss, Rubiales and his aides allegedly pressured Hermoso to declare it was consensual to contain the growing backlash.She was called off the team bus at Sydney’s stadium and shown a statement she was expected to sign.Hermoso recalled breaking down in tears as pressure mounted on her to publicly downplay the incident.The Spanish footballer told the court:  “I skim-read it and said and knew I hadn’t written a word of it.“It was a statement I had supposedly drafted myself and consented to being put out to fan the flames of the fuss that was being created by the kiss.Hermoso and her Spain teammates beat England at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in SydneyCredit: AFPJenni Hermoso said in a press conference that the kiss was unwantedCredit: APThe unwanted kiss has sparked outrage around the worldCredit: RexRubiales resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation in 2023 following criticism over the ‘Kissgate’ scandalCredit: Getty“The statement said Luis Rubiales and I were good friends and the kiss happened in the effusiveness of the moment. I said I didn’t agree to it going out.”On the flight back to Spain, Rubiales allegedly approached Hermoso personally, pleading with her to back him publicly.“He told me, ‘Please, my two daughters are in the back of the plane crying,’” she said, adding that she refused.Ex-national team coach Jorge Vilda — one of Rubiales’ co-defendants — then allegedly approached Hermoso’s brother, warning him that her football career could suffer if she did not comply.“I felt totally unprotected in what should have been a safe place for me,” Hermoso said. “No one asked me if I needed anything. The only thing Rubiales and his aides did was try to protect their reputation.”Spain’s #MeToo momentThe scandal overshadowed Spain’s first-ever Women’s World Cup triumph and became a tipping point for sexism in Spanish sport.The hashtag #SeAcabó (It’s Over) flooded social media, with Hermoso and 80 other players going on strike until federation leadership changed. FIFA suspended Rubiales, who eventually resigned in September 2023.The incident also sparked national soul-searching over sexual misconduct in Spain. The country had only recently toughened its sexual assault laws following the notorious ‘La Manada’ (Wolf Pack) gang rape case in 2016.Protests have erupted in Spain over the allegationsCredit: Rex“Rubiales out of play” has been displayed at many protestsCredit: Rex’A peck between friends’Rubiales continues to deny wrongdoing, insisting the kiss was a “peck between friends” and his downfall was driven by “fake feminism”.His daughters, two of whom were on the team’s flight home, will testify in his defense next Monday.Former coach Jorge Vilda, ex-federation sporting director Albert Luque, and marketing director Rubén Rivera also face coercion charges and potential 18-month sentences.The trial is set to run until February 19, with high-profile witnesses, including Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, expected to testify.Rubiales, if convicted, could receive a suspended sentence as first-time offenders in Spain rarely serve time for prison terms under two years. READ MORE SUN STORIESProsecutors are also seeking €100,000 (£83,000) in damages for Hermoso.A verdict is expected by the end of the month at the earliest.Rubiales has constantly denied any wrongdoingCredit: Talk TV More