Ex-Celta captain Mallo convicted of sexually assaulting woman in mascot costume

Hugo Mallo, the former captain of Celta Vigo, was found guilty by a Barcelona court on Thursday of sexually assaulting a woman working in costume as the team mascot for fellow LaLiga club Espanyol before a match in 2019.

Mallo, 33, who now plays for Greek club Aris, touched the breasts of the woman who was dressed in Espanyol's parakeet mascot costume as players lined up to shake hands with each other before the match began, the court ruling said.

In a statement, Mallo denied any wrongdoing and announced his intention to appeal the verdict.

He was ordered to pay a fine of 6,000 euros ($6,629), with an additional 1,000 euros in compensation to the victim.

Mallo is also responsible for covering all legal costs associated with the trial.

($1 = 0.9051 euros)