Rafa Mir responds on Instagram ahead of Villarreal trip, says he is eager to go to trial | OneFootball

Elche forward Rafa Mir, set to face Villarreal at La Cerámica on Sunday, went public on Friday with a message about his legal case, asserting his innocence and projecting calm.

Two and a half months after an initial interview circulated, he shared a clip of that exchange on Instagram. The player said in a post that the instruction phase had gone very well, that he is awaiting the indictment, and that he is calm and keen to go to trial, where he believes his innocence will be demonstrated.

Mir is under investigation over the alleged rape of a young woman on 1 September 2024, when he was contracted to Valencia, at his home in the Torre development in Conill de Bétera. Prosecutors are seeking a total sentence of 10 and a half years, comprising nine for aggravated sexual assault with penetration and one and a half for causing injuries.

This week, Elche head coach Eder Sarabia addressed two issues involving the striker, including a racist insult alleged by Espanyol’s Omar El Hilali during last Sunday’s match at the Martínez Valero. He praised Mir’s conduct since joining, describing him as a respected figure in the squad.

On the racism matter, Sarabia backed Mir’s version while stressing firm opposition to racism and any lack of respect. He also underlined that footballers must set an example and that the pursuit of victory does not justify everything.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo