Sorry seems to be the inadequate word: Spain's prime minister slams Rubiales for kissing players

Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez says that the behaviour of the Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales, who kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips, was an "unacceptable gesture" and that his apology is "not enough".

Rubiales also kissed several other players following Spain's 1-0 win over England in Sunday's Women's World Cup final.

He apologised on Monday and said he was "completely wrong".

"What we saw was an unacceptable gesture," prime minister Sanchez said on Tuesday.

"Rubiales' apologies are not enough. I even think they are not adequate. He has to continue taking steps to clarify what we all saw.

"The players did everything to win, but Rubiales' behaviour shows that there is still a long way to go for equality."

Spain's second deputy prime minister, Yolanda Diaz, Spain's called for Rubiales' resignation.

"Their excuses are useless," she said. "They have shown us that there is still a lot to do in our country, that there is still a lot to do so that men and women can become equal."

Hermoso took to Instagram to reveal she "didn't like" Rubiales' actions after the final, but a statement released later on the Spain forward's behalf defended him.

In a video released on Monday, Rubiales said:

"It was without bad intention at a time with a lot of excitement. At the moment, we saw it as natural, but outside, a commotion had formed.

"I have to apologise, learn from this, and understand that when you are president, you have to be more careful."

Spain's equality minister Irene Montero said:

"It's a form of sexual violence women suffer on a daily basis", while sports minister Miquel Iceta told Spanish public radio it was "unacceptable" for Rubiales to kiss Hermoso.