La Liga: Former Celta Vigo captain Hugo Mallo found guilty of sexual harassment

Former Celta Vigo captain Hugo Mallo was found guilty of sexual assault on September 12 in a 2019 case. The verdict was handed down by a Barcelona court, which found that Mallo, who currently plays for Greek club Aris, had sexually harassed a woman who works as the team mascot of La Liga club Espanyol before a match in 2019.

The incident occurred as players lined up to shake hands before the match, during which Mallo attacked the woman, who was dressed in Espanyol's parakeet mascot costume. The court not only found Mallo guilty of the charge, but also ordered him to pay all legal costs associated with the case out of his own pocket.

Following the court's decision, the 33-year-old footballer issued an official statement denying any wrongdoing and announcing his intention to appeal the verdict. Mallo's conviction has sent shockwaves through the football community, especially given his long career at Celta Vigo, where he was captain before joining Aris. The La Liga club has yet to comment on the matter.

The case has attracted considerable attention due to the nature of the allegations and the involvement of a high-profile athlete. The court's ruling underscores how seriously such allegations are taken even in the world of professional sport. Mallo's appeal is expected to be closely watched in the coming months.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about athlete conduct both on and off the field and serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professional conduct in all interactions.