Liverpool Midfielder Marie Hobinger Stalked with Underwear Pictures and Explicit Messages

A 42-year-old London man, Mangal Dalal from Hyde Park Gardens in Westminster, has been handed a two-year restraining order and an 18-month community order for stalking Liverpool FC women's midfielder Marie Hobinger.[1][3]

Between January 27 and February 16, 2025, Dalal used two Instagram accounts to bombard the 24-year-old Austrian international with sexually explicit messages. These included pleas like “Please can you f*** me?”, “I want to have babies with you”, and “Have you touched yourself as a pre-match routine?”. He also sent pictures of his underwear, his mobile number, postcode, and address, inviting her to visit.[1][2]

Hobinger blocked him and alerted Liverpool FC, but her concerns escalated. On February 16, Dalal traveled to Liverpool's 4-0 away defeat at Manchester City, where he was spotted pitch-side post-match by a steward. Liverpool's safety officer, who had begun escorting Hobinger due to safety fears, identified him as the stalker. Police questioned Dalal, who admitted the conduct in a prepared statement, claiming mental unwellness.[1][2]

Dalal pleaded guilty to stalking on December 4, 2025, at Liverpool Magistrates' Court and was sentenced on January 20, 2026, at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Alongside the restraining order—banning him from Liverpool's training ground Melwood and home stadiums St Helens or Anfield—he must complete 25 days of rehabilitation and pay £764 in court costs.[1][2]

“I felt uncomfortable and my thoughts were not on my game... It makes me sad that women’s football is sexualised and disrespected. No woman should have to put up with this.”
— Marie Hobinger[1]

Senior Crown Prosecutor Sarah McInerney condemned Dalal's “intense, continual, and totally inappropriate” actions, which objectified Hobinger and impacted her performance. She praised Hobinger and Liverpool FC for aiding prosecution, stressing such behavior is criminal and intolerable.[2]

Hobinger noted the stress and anger caused, despite no lasting mental health effects, and thanked the club for support, including escorts home.[1]

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