Former Celta Vigo captain haunted by sexual offence dating back to 2019

Hugo Mallo has been found guilty of groping a mascot's breast in 2019.

Former Celta Vigo captain Hugo Mallo has been found guilty of sexual misconduct following an incident that occurred in 2019.

The court's verdict marks a sobering moment for the sport, which has recently been marred by similar allegations.

The incident in question took place at the RCDE Stadium during a match between Celta Vigo and Espanyol.

Mallo, now playing for Aris Salonika in Greece, was involved in an altercation with the mascot, identified as 'Ana'(Dario AS used a fake name to protect her identity). According to the court’s findings, Mallo inappropriately touched Ana's breasts while shaking hands, having deliberately introduced his hand between her costume without consent.

Mallo, who denied all allegations and maintained a stance of innocence throughout the trial, will face a financial penalty rather than the initially sought 24-month income forfeiture.

The judge has imposed a fine of €1,000 in damages, with interest accruing at €10 per day over 20 months, which will bring the total amount to approximately €6,000.

The decision has been met with mixed reactions. While the financial penalty reflects the court's judgment, some feel it does not adequately reflect the severity of the misconduct.

Mallo’s legal team has announced their intention to appeal the ruling, with an appeal expected to be filed within the next 10 days, according to Diario AS.

This case adds to a troubling trend in Spanish football, which has seen several high-profile figures facing allegations of sexual misconduct.

In response to these issues, a new contract model is being introduced, aimed at securing consent and safeguarding individuals involved in football events.