Liverpool Women's Star Marie Hobinger Targeted by Stalker Who Sent Underwear Pictures
A man who subjected Liverpool women's football star Marie Hobinger to a distressing stalking campaign has been handed a two-year restraining order by the courts. Mangal Dalal sent the Austrian international midfielder sexually explicit messages on Instagram, including pictures of underwear and declarations that he wanted to have babies with her.
Court Hears How Stalking Affected Player's Life and Career
Westminster Magistrates' Court heard that Dalal's actions made Hobinger feel anxious in her own home and caused her to hold back from interacting with fans at matches. The stress reportedly led to a flare-up of a skin condition for the footballer, who moved to Liverpool from FC Zurich Frauen in July 2023.
In a victim statement read to the court, Hobinger revealed: "This incident has meant I now struggle to sleep. I live on my own, and being on my own at home I become anxious and scared – any noise I fear [he] may have found out where I lived."
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
Dalal, a father of two from Marylebone, London, had previously pleaded guilty to stalking at Liverpool Magistrates' Court in December. On Tuesday, District Judge Hina Rai sentenced him to an 18-month community order alongside the restraining order, describing the content as "highly sexualised" and noting it had caused Hobinger to be "fearful of her surroundings."
The court ordered Dalal to pay £650 in costs plus a £114 victim surcharge. His defence lawyer, Daniel Lister, told the court that Dalal was of previous good character but had been experiencing a psychotic episode during the period he contacted the Liverpool star.
Footballer Speaks Out Against Sexualisation in Women's Sport
Hobinger used her victim statement to make a powerful statement about the treatment of women in football: "Although I am in the public eye I do not feel it is acceptable to receive sexually explicit messages. I do not feel that it is acceptable that women's football is sexualised and disrespected. No woman, no matter what her job, should have to put up with this kind of behaviour."
The court heard that Dalal had travelled to a Liverpool match in Manchester last February and was spotted by the pitch after the game. He admitted this in a police interview but claimed he had been mentally unwell at the time.
Impact on Promising Football Career
The stalking incident has reportedly affected Hobinger's performance on the pitch. The midfielder, who is currently recovering from a serious injury, had previously made WSL history by becoming the first player to record a hat-trick of assists from corners during Liverpool's 4-3 win over Chelsea at Prenton Park.
This case highlights the serious consequences of stalking behaviour toward public figures and the particular challenges faced by women athletes who must contend with inappropriate sexualisation alongside their professional careers.
