The Criminal Court number 19 of Barcelona will hold a trial on July 11 for the Hugo Mallo case. Initially set for May 25, 2023, at the Ciutat de la Justícia, the trial was rescheduled.
As reported by As, the former Celta player is accused of sexually abusing the Espanyol mascot before a match at Stage Front Stadium on April 24, 2019.
The incident allegedly occurred on the field as teams and mascots exchanged greetings. Mallo, leading as Celta’s captain, reportedly engaged in inappropriate behaviour when greeting the Espanyol mascot. The Penal Code at the time of the incident determines the legal classification of the act.
According to the complaint filed with the Mossos d’Esquadra, Mallo’s actions shifted from a standard handshake to inappropriate contact. The complaint alleges Mallo placed his hands under the mascot’s costume and touched her breasts.
The prosecution and the alleged victim’s lawyer are jointly seeking a 24-month fine for Mallo, with the amount based on his financial status. The State would oversee the payment of the fine, as stipulated under Article 181.1 of the Penal Code.
Though recently publicized, this case has been progressing legally for years. It was initially processed by the Court of First Instance and Instruction Number 2 of Cornellà de Llobregat. The victim testified on June 27, 2019, followed by Mallo on July 10. Mallo’s defence requested case dismissal, alleging the incident did not occur, but this was denied.
On May 31, 2021, the Ninth Section of the Provincial Court of Barcelona recognized the complainant’s account as potentially constituting sexual abuse. The court noted the duration and nature of the interaction differed from other greetings, suggesting inappropriate contact might have occurred.
