Spanish footballer Hugo Mallo, former captain of Celta Vigo and current player for Aris Thessaloniki, has been convicted of sexual abuse for inappropriately touching a female mascot before a La Liga match in 2019. The incident, which occurred during a pre-match lineup, involved the mascot of Espanyol, known as “Periquita,” who was dressed in a parrot costume. The court has sentenced Mallo to a fine and ordered him to compensate the victim, despite the player’s continued denial of any wrongdoing.
Details of the Incident: What Happened Before the La Liga Match
The incident took place in April 2019 when Celta Vigo visited Espanyol for a La Liga fixture. As the teams lined up for the customary pre-match greetings, Mallo, who was the captain of Celta Vigo at the time, was alleged to have inappropriately touched the woman inside the “Periquita” parrot costume. According to court documents and the victim’s statement, Mallo allegedly placed his hands under the costume and groped the woman’s breasts. The incident, which was captured on video, showed Hugo Mallo’s interaction with the mascot lasting longer than usual, which raised suspicions.
The victim, who was identified only as “Ana” to protect her anonymity, reported the incident to the Mossos d’Esquadra, the Catalonian police, in June 2019. She claimed that Mallo had treated her differently compared to the male mascot and that he had acted inappropriately. Her initial complaint detailed that when Hugo Mallo greeted her, he put his hands under her costume and touched her breasts, forcing her to step back and remove herself from the interaction. She also mentioned that she had played the role of Periquita since 2006 but ultimately left her position at the club in 2021 due to the trauma she experienced from the incident.
Hugo Mallo declarado culpable de ‘abuso sexual’ por tocar los pechos de la empleada del RCD Espanyol que trabajaba como mascota del equipo.
📌Condena de 20 meses, más una multa de 6.000€, más una indemnización de 1.000€ a la víctima, por daño moral. pic.twitter.com/enOELyDkzu
— La cara B del futbol (@lacarabfutbol_) September 12, 2024Legal Proceedings: From Initial Dismissal to Conviction
The case underwent a lengthy legal process spanning over five years. Initially, the case was dismissed due to a lack of sufficient evidence, but that decision was overturned on appeal. In May 2021, Barcelona’s Provincial Court’s Ninth Section formally recognized the case as a sexual assault. The judge noted that while the video footage was brief, it clearly depicted an unusual interaction that lasted longer than the other greetings. The mascot could be seen moving away from Mallo, taking her hand back, and positioning herself behind the male mascot, suggesting discomfort.
The judge concluded that “the accused, with the intention of satisfying his libidinous desire and of undermining the sexual indemnity of the same, put his hands under the costume and touched her breasts, forcing Ana to step back and push the accused away with her right hand.” The ruling highlighted that the interaction was not a simple mistake but rather a deliberate act of sexual abuse.
The Court’s Verdict: Fine and Compensation
Following the court’s ruling, Hugo Mallo was sentenced to a fine of 6,000 euros (approximately $6,600) and ordered to pay 1,000 euros (about $1,100) in damages to the victim. Additionally, Mallo has been ordered to pay £8.44 per day for a period of 20 months, which amounts to just over £5,000 ($6,530). The footballer is also required to cover the legal costs of the proceedings.
Mallo’s Response: Denial and Intent to Appeal
Throughout the legal process, Mallo has maintained his innocence. Following the initial complaint and during the trial, he denied all allegations, stating that his interaction with the mascot was unintentional. In his defense, Mallo claimed that he merely touched the waist of the mascot while turning around and categorically denied touching her breasts.
After the ruling, Mallo took to social media, including Instagram, to reiterate his innocence. He posted a video of the incident, stating, “I continue to categorically deny the facts attributed to me in the ruling. I acknowledged that while turning around after the greetings that my hand could have touched the waist of the parakeet, but I absolutely denied that it touched the parakeet’s breasts.”
Mallo’s legal team is reportedly considering an appeal against the court’s decision, citing the initial dismissal of the case by both Celta Vigo and Espanyol, who reportedly did not find evidence of wrongdoing at the time.
Reactions and Aftermath: The Impact on the Victim and the Football Community
The case has drawn significant attention in Spain and across the football community, raising important questions about player conduct and the treatment of staff members, including mascots, at football events. The victim, “Ana,” who had played the role of Espanyol’s female mascot for over a decade, left her position in 2021, citing the trauma caused by the incident.
The court’s decision to convict Mallo reflects a broader movement within sports and society to address inappropriate behavior and provide justice to victims of sexual abuse. Mallo’s conviction serves as a reminder that professional athletes are held to a high standard of conduct both on and off the field.
Hugo Mallo’s conviction for sexual abuse marks a significant legal ruling in Spanish football. While Mallo and his legal team plan to appeal the decision, the case highlights the importance of accountability and the need for stringent measures to address inappropriate behavior in sports. As the football community continues to grapple with issues of conduct and respect, this case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of crossing boundaries.
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