Barcelona star banned for allegedly ‘inappropriately touching’ opponent’s private part | Watch the video

Barcelona and Spain international Mapi Leon has been handed a two-match suspension in Liga F following a controversial incident involving Espanyol defender Daniela Caracas during a heated Catalan derby back in February.

The disciplinary decision comes after video footage surfaced showing Leon allegedly making contact near Caracas’s groin area while defending a corner kick—a moment that instantly went viral on social media.

🎥 Viral Video Sparks Controversy and Liga F Action

The incident occurred on 10 February 2025, during an emotionally charged match between Barcelona and Espanyol. The footage, captured during a corner set-piece, appeared to show Leon’s hand near the groin region of Caracas, sparking widespread online backlash and debate.

Barcelona kadın futbol takımından Mapi León, Espanyol'un Kolombiyalı oyuncusu Daniela Caracas'ın cinsel organına dokunup "Penisin mi var?" diye sordu.
"Sportmenliğe aykırı davranış" ve "uygunsuz dokunuş" nedeniyle 2 Mapi León'a 2 maç men cezası verildi. pic.twitter.com/SipCcXtgzn

— BC Futbol (@bcfutboll) April 15, 2025

Liga F confirmed to BBC Sport that the Barcelona defender received a two-match suspension specifically “due to the incident with Daniela Caracas,” though the league refrained from making further public statements on the matter.

🗣️ Espanyol’s Reaction and Public Condemnation

Espanyol quickly issued a strong-worded response, stating their “total discontent and condemnation” of the act. The club emphasized the seriousness of the incident and its implications, especially as women’s football grows in global attention and scrutiny.

This controversy has not only added fuel to the fierce Catalan rivalry but has also put the spotlight on the behavioral expectations of professional athletes, especially in high-stakes, televised matches.

Mapi Leon Denies Allegations, But Ban Stands

Despite the uproar, Mapi Leon firmly denied any wrongdoing. In her official statement, she clarified:

“At no time did I, nor was it my intention, infringe upon the intimacy of my fellow professional Daniela Caracas.”

Leon claimed there was no intentional or inappropriate contact, but Liga F’s disciplinary committee remained unconvinced. FC Barcelona attempted to appeal the ruling, hoping to reduce or overturn the suspension, but the appeal was ultimately rejected, and the ban was upheld.

What This Means for Barcelona’s Title Race

Leon has already served the first match of her ban, missing out on Barcelona’s fixture against Atletico Madrid last weekend. Her absence will be even more significant in the upcoming El Clasico-style showdown against Real Madrid, a match that could prove decisive in the Liga F title race.

Barcelona currently leads the table by just four points, and with five games left, every match counts. Losing a key defender like Leon for such a crucial tie could provide Real Madrid with an opportunity to close the gap and keep the title race alive.

What This Incident Reveals About Modern Women’s Football

This entire saga is a reflection of the increasing visibility and scrutiny in women’s football. With growing viewership, better broadcasting, and viral social media reach, players’ conduct is more exposed than ever.

While physical contact is common in football, the nature and context of Leon’s alleged action have triggered discussions about professional boundaries, disciplinary fairness, and the power of viral media to influence sporting decisions.