We are in the 21st century and women footballers are somehow still being subjected to old stereotypes and sexist insults. Spanish goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez, who plays for Real Madrid, enjoyed her club’s Champions League victory over Liverpool on Tuesday night, and posted on social media an image of herself and Marco Asensio. Both photos had them celebrating and alongside it she wrote: “Same passion.”

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The post sadly didn’t last long on Twitter, however, as the goalkeeper deleted it after receiving numerous hurtful insults towards her, most simply based on her gender, and many sexually explicit.

Asensio supports Real Madrid colleague

The image did though make a sharp return as men’s player Marco Asensio became aware of what had happened. He saw what abuse she had had to suffer and wanted to show his support, effectively mocking those that had made the comments for their ridiculousness and small-mindedness.

"Same passion. Let nothing and no one stop you from saying what you think,” he wrote on his timeline with the same two pictures.

A number of other players, including teammates Courtois, Marcelo and Vázquez responded in support of that and since then there has been a flood of posts from players and clubs around LaLiga and further afield. In this article we have shared some of those.

Misa is currently training with the Spanish national team in Marbella, where the national team will play two friendlies against the Netherlands and Mexico. She may take some comfort in seeing the hashtag #mismapasion trending.