World Cup reporter groped live on air wants to draw line under episode after man apologises

Julieth Gonzales Theran said she considered the case was closed after the man, named Ruslan, contacted the channel to explain his actions.

She was reporting from World Cup host city Saransk, 400 miles east of Moscow, when he came from the right of the shot, groped her and kissed her on the cheek.

The journalist, who did not pause her piece to camera during or after the incident, was working for the Spanish news channel of German network Deutsche Welle (DW).

Ruslan got in touch after the incident provoked a social media storm.

He told the channel he had made a bet with a friend that he could kiss a reporter live on air but he had intended to grab Ms Theran's shoulder, not her chest.

In a video call with the journalist shared by DW, Ruslan said: "I am really sorry.

"I offer you my most profound apologies. I acted carelessly and did not think I would cause you confusion and shock."

Ms Theran replied: "I appreciate that you reached out to me to apologise for your misconduct.

"What happened was unacceptable and disrespectful.

"But it's the right thing to do and I accept it."

Earlier, she said she had had to get extra security in order to continue doing her job.

Ms Theran said on Twitter: "With the apologies of Ruslan I close this case, now it is focus on the World Cup."