Spanish footballer Hugo Mallo faces trial for alleged sexual assault of mascot as new footage emerges

Former Celta Vigo captain Hugo Mallo will stand trial in July for the alleged sexual assault of a woman who worked as Espanyol mascot in 2019, according to reports in Spain.

Mallo, who now plays for Brazilian side Internacional de Porto Alegre, was previously due to appear in court at Barcelona's Ciutat de la Justicia last year.

The trial was postponed, however, with the case now entering its fifth year since the charge was first brought against Mallo.

The alleged incident took place in April 2019, during Celta Vigo’s trip to Espanyol at the Stage Front Stadium, where footage obtained by Marca appeared to show Mallo lingering in a seemingly tight embrace with the mascot. The publication has now reported that Mallo is set to stand trial in July.

In a statement, the accuser, who is referred to as 'Ana' but has upheld a right to anonymity, alleged that the then-Celta Vigo skipper reached under her mascot suit and “grabbed her breasts”.

The day after the fixture, Catalonian police, Mossos d'Esquadra revealed details of ‘Ana’s’ complaint.

They said: “When Hugo Mallo arrived (to greet) the mascots, he gave his hand to the (male) parakeet (Periquito) as is usually done, but when he reached Ms Ana, who at that time was playing the role of the (female) parakeet, he introduced his hands under the costume and touched her breasts.

“According to the declarant, he grabbed her breasts with his hands and began to make movements.”

The alleged victim first testified in June 2019, with Mallo then offering his testimony the following month, where he requested the case to be thrown out. Said request was rejected.

While testifying, Mallo denied the claim - insisting that he greeted players and the mascot, whose gender he said he did not know, while his focus was on the game.

He added that Marca’s clip did not show any abnormal movements on his part and argued that he was aware the match was being broadcast on television with a live audience and several cameras.

The case was first alleged to constitute sexual assault in May 2021, following an intervention by the Ninth Section of the Provincial Court of Barcelona, with a judge alleging that the footage made it clear that “something was happening” to the mascot.

Hugo Mallo now plays for Brazilian side Internacional de Porto Alegre. (Getty)

The judge told the court: “Although it seems to occur quickly, it lasts longer than the rest of the greetings made previously to the mascot, so we do see that something is happening with the mascot and the player, since the mascot moves, (she) takes away (her) hand from the player and stands behind the male mascot.

“And we can see from the position of the player that he may have incurred said touches.”

The victim, through her lawyer, has requested the sentence reflect article 181.1 of the Penal Code - a 24-month fine, which will go to the state.

The victim is said to have worked as Espanyol’s mascot, Periquita, since 2006, but left the role in 2021.