Brazilian side Internacional’s mascot is accused of sexual harassment by a pitchside reporter who alleges the club icon ‘pushed her head and made a kissing gesture’ during celebrations of the side’s 3-2 win over Gremio
- Gisele Kumpel claims the mascot was constantly making gestures during the game
- Internacional confirmed that they have provided police with footage of the incident
- Chelsea were cowardly to play for penalties. Liverpool have a case, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are soulless – Listen to the It’s all Kicking Off podcast
An on-pitch reporter has filed a complaint against a mascot for sexual harassment, accusing the club icon of pushing her head and gesturing to kiss her.
The incident is said to have taken place during Internacional’s 3-2 against Gremio on Sunday, when Gisele Kumpel claimed the home team’s mascot kept making gestures at her.
She had taken a place behind the goal during the Brazilian top match and, in conversation with GloboEsporteaccused Saci β the club’s mascot β of pushing her head and making a kissing gesture towards her.
“I was the only woman on that side of the field.” said Kumpel. ‘There were other journalists, but he only did that to me.
βHe came up next to me and hugged me.β She added as Alan Patrick scored a late winner for the Porto Alegre team.
Pitchside reporter Gisele Kumpel has filed a complaint following an incident that took place on Sunday
The person who acted as Internacional mascot Saci during the 3-2 win over Gremio is accused of sexual harassment of Kumpel
‘He kept hugging me. Even with the mask on, he pushed my head and made a kiss gesture. I could hear the sound of the kiss and I could feel his sweat.β
Internacional confirmed they have provided police with security footage from the stadium so they can investigate the complaint.
The club has also announced that the employee serving as Sunday’s mascot will be removed while an investigation is conducted.
‘Regarding the registration of an incident related to the figure of the Saci mascot, Sport Club Internacional informs that it has sent the images of its internal monitoring circuit to the police station in charge of investigating the episode.’ The club declaration began.
‘We trust that all facts will be properly clarified by the authorities. Therefore, and pending a rapid resolution of the matter, the employee responsible for the mascot and the Club itself will remain at the disposal of the authorities.
Brazilian outlet GloboEsport showed footage of Kumpel behind the goal in the closing stages of the match
Saci can also be seen behind the billboard as the opponents met on Sunday
“Until the process is completed, the employee will be separated from Saci’s representation.”
Kumpel took to social media on Monday to lament the problems women face in football, saying: ‘Another day when women want to do their job in football and have to suffer at the hands of idiots who are criminals.’
She also vowed to continue her case “so no other woman goes through this” in a post with images that appeared to show her at a police station.