A European footballer is now set to go on trial after reportedly touching a mascot's breasts.
Spanish fullback Hugo Mallo is facing legal proceedings for alleged sexual assault, with proceedings set to begin in July after he was alleged to have touched his former team Celta Vigo's mascot inappropriately in 2019.
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The incident is said to have taken place ahead of a LALIGA match against Espanyol that year.
The 32-year-old has, however, denied any wrongdoing.
"We categorically deny the reported facts, which was already manifested before the Court that investigated them, demanding absolute respect for the presumption of innocence," the player said in a statement on social media.
According to the Daily Mail, the victim claimed in a statement that Mallo, who now represents Brazilian side Internacional, shook the hand of the male mascot, before slipping his hand under the costume of the female mascot, reaching for her breasts and "making movements".
O momento em que Hugo Mallo teria abusado sexualmente da moça que estava representando o mascote do Espanyol, em 2019. Inter já se manifestou, declarando confiança na versão do atleta, que também vai se manifestar. O julgamento está marcado pro dia 11 de julho, em Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/QnvmILKw86
— Lucas Dias (@_olucasdias) January 30, 2024
The case was said to have initially been dismissed, but following an appeal, the decision was overturned.
With the matter now set to be revisited in a court of law, it is understood the alleged victim and prosecutors are seeking the payment of a fine if the Spaniard is found guilty.
Mallo's current club has publicly expressed its confidence in the innocence of the player, and believe the case will be dismissed once again.
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