Spanish football seems to be prone to attacks on women.
The most famous of them being the forced kiss imposed on August 20 by the president of the Spanish federation Luis Rubiales on the player Jennifer Hermoso, a few minutes after victory in the Women's World Cup.
This time, it is Spanish footballer Hugo Mallo, former captain of Celta Vigo, who will be tried on July 11 for an alleged sexual assault on a woman working as a mascot for Espanyol Barcelona, during a match in April 2019.
The ex-Celta Vigo player denies the facts
The facts allegedly took place on April 24, 2019 before the start of the Liga Espanyol Barcelona - Celta Vigo match, while the right back and his teammates greeted the opposing team and the two people dressed as Periquitos, Espanyol mascot parakeets .
According to the prosecutor's conclusions, the player, who now plays for Porto Alegre (Brazil), approached one of the mascots and “put his hands under her costume and touched her breasts”.
The prosecution adds that the victim “was forced to step back and push away” the Spanish footballer.
The public prosecutor is therefore demanding a fine of more than 8,000 euros against Hugo Mallo for an alleged offense of sexual assault.
Also read Forced kiss: “If I have to put my two cents in to change things”, Jenni Hermoso breaks the silence
According to the Spanish press, the footballer already testified in July 2019, denying the facts.
The case had been provisionally closed, but after the victim's defense appealed, the judges of the Barcelona Provincial Court ordered the reopening of the case in May 2021.
“We categorically deny the alleged facts, which has already been clearly stated to the court that investigated him,” said the statement from the agency, which represents the former captain of Vigo, assuring that the player will appear in court in July “as innocent”.
“We ask that justice be able to act, as well as the greatest respect for Hugo and his family while waiting for the truth to emerge,” the press release concludes.