![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/incoming\/article30789142.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/2_Spain-Soccer-Rubiales-23237456691193.jpg\")
![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/incoming\/article30778624.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/2_FIFA-Womens-World-Cup-2023-Final-Spain-v-England-Stadium-Australia-Sydney-Australia-August-20.jpg\")
<\/p>\nGary Lineker has claimed the reason more male professionals won't speak out about the actions of Luis Rubiales is because they fear the backlash.<\/p>\n
Rubiales, who is the president of the Spanish FA, has come under intense fire after kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain's Women's World Cup final win over England.<\/p>\n
The actions of the disgraced president have been widely criticised with many now viewing Rubiales' position as completely untenable. However, the 46-year-old, who was said to be close to resigning has confirmed he will remain in post, issuing a defiant statement at a press conference on Friday.<\/p>\n
"I will not resign, I will not resign, I will not resign," Rubiales told the room, with some even applauding his decision to stay on a head of the Spanish FA.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/b>Gary Lineker says Man Utd made the 'inevitable and right' decision over Mason Greenwood<\/b><\/p>\n
Over on Twitter, the Athletic's Adam Crafton posed a question asking why men in football won't kick up a fuss about Rubiales' horrendous behaviour, something which prompted a reply from Lineker.<\/p>\n
Lineker wrote: "I would imagine it\u2019s because they get so much online abuse." However, some individuals weren't happy with Lineker's reasoning, with some football fans even labelling the Match of the Day host's claim as "pathetic".<\/p>\n
What do you make of Gary Lineker's reasoning? Let us know in the comments section below.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
One fan wrote: "Pathetic response." Another added: "Women are being physically abused. Men can log off. There\u2019s a difference." A third said: "Didn't stop them all speaking up to defend Mendy in a heartbeat though did it…"<\/p>\n
A fourth commented: "Yeah sure because women never get online abuse do they?" And a fifth said: "But women\u2019s players get abused and ridiculed for even playing the game."<\/p>\n
Following the press conference, there have been some Spanish footballers, both male and female who have spoken out against Rubiales' defiance, with Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias confirming he will boycott selection for Spain's national team.<\/p>\n
Follow the Daily Star on Threads<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/incoming\/article30620369.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/2_ESP-Real-Betis-Burnley-FC-Friendly-match.jpg\")
![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/incoming\/article30573646.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/4_GettyImages-1571917485.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea also tweeted out "My ears are bleeding" following Rubiales' comments, adding a circus tent emoji to make his feeling clear.<\/p>\n
Over on instagram, ex-Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin also wrote: "It's truly shameful what is happening. From representing our country with that vulgarity, to distorting statements from the victim and above all blaming her and playing the victim. They're acts that someone can't go unpunished for."<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/incoming\/article27098256.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/2_Hector-Bellerin.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Barcelona star and fellow Spain World Cup winner Alexia Putellas also backed her compatriot Hermoso online, tweeting: "This is unacceptable. It's over. With you partner @Jennihermoso."<\/p>\n
As things stand, Rubiales looks set to remain as president of the Spanish FA. However, Victor Francos, the president of the Spanish sports council and minister for sport has claimed they will look to "suspend Mr. Rubiales from his duties."<\/p>\n