A female reporter has lodged a formal complaint of sexual assault against a man wearing the mascot costume of the Brazilian football club Internacional.
The incident reportedly happened during a match between Internacional and their rivals Gremio, which ended in a 3-2 victory for Internacional.
Reporter Gisele Kumpel has accused the man in the club’s mascot costume, Saci, of inappropriate behaviour, including making unwanted physical contact and a kissing gesture in her direction.
“I was the only woman on that side of the field,” Kumpel told GloboEsporte.
Describing the incident, Kumpel said, “He came to my side and hugged me.”
The incident happened during the celebration following a goal by Internacional’s Alan Patrick.
“He stayed hugging me. Even with the mask on, he pushed my head and made a gesture of kissing me. I could hear the sound of the kiss and I felt his sweat,” Kumpel added.
Saci, a popular figure in Brazilian folklore, is usually portrayed as a one-legged black youngster who smokes a pipe and wears a magical red cap that legend holds enables him to disappear and reappear wherever he wishes.
Internacional has provided police with security footage from the stadium to help the investigation.
It has also issued a statement saying it is committed to the investigation and cooperation with the authorities.
“We trust that all the facts will be duly clarified with the authority police,” the club said while announcing the temporary removal of the employee involved pending the outcome of the investigation.
Kumpel shared her frustration on social media, talking about the broader issue of women facing harassment in the football industry.
“Another day of women wanting to do their job in football and suffering for it with idiots who are criminals,” she wrote.
Compiled by staff writer
Pictured above: Saci the mascot.
Image source: X
