Following Real Madrid’s El Clásico defeat to Barcelona on Sunday, which confirmed a second consecutive season without a major trophy, Real Madrid President Florentino Perez convened an extraordinary press conference on Tuesday evening. During the conference, Perez made two notable sexist remarks towards attending journalists.
Perez delivered a prolonged tirade, alleging a coordinated media campaign against Real Madrid and accusing several media outlets and individuals of attempting to force him out of his presidency. He also announced elections three years ahead of schedule, despite having been re-elected unopposed just last year.
Florentino Perez Questions Female Journalist’s Football Knowledge
In his first sexist outburst, while expressing frustration with the news outlet ABC, Perez singled out Ruben Canizares and Maria Jose Fuentealamo. He cast doubt on her expertise based on her gender.
“You [referring to ABC and Canizares] target Real Madrid daily. Look at the two articles you published today. One was written by a woman, and I’m uncertain if she possesses any knowledge of football or not.”
Florentino Perez Dismisses Female Journalist as ‘Girl’
Later, while selecting questions, Perez referred to Lola Hernandez, a journalist from Fox Sports, dismissively as a “girl.”
“I could stay here all afternoon, I’m enjoying myself. That girl over there should speak; you’re all very ugly.”
Perez did not specify the exact date for the upcoming elections but firmly stated his intention not to resign, suggesting a rough timeline of approximately 15 days. Beyond his comments directed at the female reporters, Perez has faced significant backlash in the Spanish media for his perceived lack of accountability and failure to address the team’s sporting issues. Although much anticipation surrounded the possibility of Jose Mourinho’s return as manager, Perez declined to answer questions on that subject.