Barcelona defender banned for touching opponent in groin area
Spain international Leon was accused of "violating the privacy" of Colombia defender Caracas on February 9, 2025
Barcelona Femeni defender Mapi Leon has been banned for two league matches following an incident with Espanyol defender Daniela Caracas in February.
Spain international Leon was accused of "violating the privacy" of Colombia defender Caracas on February 9, 2025, after appearing to touch her in the groin area while Espanyol defended a corner kick.
Barcelona won the match 2-0.
Espanyol expressed their "total discontent and condemnation" of the incident after a video of the clip went viral on social media, and the Spanish Football Federation immediately instituted disciplinary proceedings.
In a rejoinder, Liga F authorities confirmed to BBC Sport that Leon has been given a two-match suspension "due to the incident with Daniela Caracas" and that the two-match ban will serve as punishment.
Leon served the first match of the suspension last weekend against Atletico Madrid and will miss Barcelona's next league game against Real Madrid.
Leon denied inappropriately touching Caracas, saying there was "no contact with her private parts".
"At no time did I, nor was it my intention, infringe upon the intimacy of my fellow professional Daniela Caracas," she said.
Barcelona failed with an appeal over the suspension.
They are five points ahead of rivals Real, with just five matches left to play in the 16-team league.