Spanish soccer player Hugo Mallo has been found guilty of sexual assault for inappropriately touching a mascot before a La Liga game in 2019, according to court officials. The incident took place when Mallo, a former Celta Vigo player, touched the breasts of the woman inside Espanyol’s parakeet costume as players were lining up to greet each other before the match.
Mallo has been fined 6,000 euros ($6,600) and ordered to pay 1,000 euros ($1,100) in damages to the victim by the judge who presided over the case. Despite the ruling, the 33-year-old maintains his innocence and intends to appeal the decision. He posted a video of the incident in question on his Instagram, denying that he touched the mascot inappropriately as claimed.
Initially, the case was dismissed, but upon appeal, the dismissal was overruled leading to the conviction of Mallo. Following the verdict, Mallo is also required to cover the legal expenses incurred during the legal proceedings.
Mallo emphasized his denial of the accusations and criticized the ruling, citing that neither Celta Vigo nor Espanyol found any evidence of misconduct. He urged for “respect” in a statement posted on Instagram amidst the controversy surrounding the incident.