A London father-of-two received a two-year restraining order and 18-month community order for stalking Liverpool midfielder Marie Hobinger. Mangal Dalal, 42, sent the Austria international highly sexualised Instagram messages, including pictures of underwear and threats. The court heard Hobinger's performance was affected, and she developed anxiety, fearing for her safety at home.

The stalking occurred between January and February 2025, with Dalal attending an away match in Manchester. Hobinger stated the ordeal forced her to change daily routines and avoid fans. Her club, Liverpool, provided a safety officer for matches. The case highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by high-profile female athletes in women's football.

Dalal's defence cited a mental health crisis and a psychotic episode at the time. Passing sentence, Judge Hina Rai condemned the distress caused. The Crown Prosecution Service hopes the outcome encourages other victims to come forward, emphasizing that no woman should endure such harassment, regardless of her profession.