From the end of January 2024, Dalal sent inappropriate and sexually explicit messages to Höbinger via Instagram for a period of three weeks. For example, the Austrian international received photos of his underwear and messages such as: “I want children from you”.
He also sent her her address and zip code, and told her he loved her and that he “wished we had slept together.” Dalal used two different Instagram accounts with which he bombarded Höbinger.
Competition
In February 2024, the Londoner traveled to Manchester to attend the match between Manchester City and Liverpool in the Women Super League especially for her. Höbinger had already informed Liverpool of Dalal’s messages at that time, resulting in someone recognizing him during the match.
Dalal was arrested and questioned by police, where he admitted the behavior but claimed he was mentally unwell at the time, The Daily Mail reported. Dalal, who has been in therapy since 2025, received a restraining order for two years plus an eighteen-month community service order on Tuesday, during which he must also undergo at least 25 days of therapy to rehabilitate. He also had to pay court costs (almost 900 euros).
Höbinger was not present at the verdict, but did record a statement. “I was scared in the parking lot at night when I got home and ran inside. I knew I was safe, but I still felt uncomfortable being alone. It’s not a nice feeling. My mind was not on my game. When fans took pictures from the crowd, I felt insecure about who was taking them. While it hasn’t affected my mental health, it has caused me stress and anger. I think it’s sad that women’s football is sexualized and disrespected. No woman, no matter what profession, should accept this kind of behavior,” said the Austrian.
24-year-old Marie Höbinger has played for Liverpool since 2023. She has scored eight goals in 46 appearances so far. At the start of this season (2025-2026), the Austrian tore her cruciate ligaments, a serious injury from which she is still recovering. Höbinger has 49 international matches for Austria in her career, with which she played the 2022 European Championship.
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