Women’s rights campaigners have called for a more robust approach to sports stars convicted of violence against women following shamed rugby star Stuart Hogg‘s conviction.
Stuart Hogg, who plays for French club Montpellier, was given a one-year community payback order last week after admitting a domestic abuse charge against estranged wife Gillian.
Hogg, who was earlier fined £600 for a breach of bail conditions, is the third player at his club – where he makes £350,000 a season – to be convicted of domestic abuse.
Player Mohamed Haouas, 30, was re-signed by the French outfit after his domestic abuse conviction for hitting his wife and sentenced to a year in jail in May 2022.
One-cap France international Wilfrid Hounkpatin from Castres who was also signed on a three-year deal after he was found guilty of domestic violence against his partner.
Now women’s campaigners have now called for sports clubs to take robust action in response to domestic abuse.
Susan Smith of For Women Scotland said: “We are glad that Gillian will see justice done.
“Sadly, domestic violence blights too many lives, and no part of society is immune from the devastating effects.
“While it is not the responsibility of any employer, including sports clubs, to police the behaviour of their players, they should be alert to the fact that star players are, often, seen as role models and a more robust approach to responding to allegations would be in the interest of all concerned, most importantly the victims of violence.”
At Selkirk Sheriff Court in November, Hogg, 32, who is in the process of a divorce, admitted shouting, swearing and acting in an abusive manner towards her.
Mary Howden of Women’s Right Network added: “Male violence against women is heinous and inexcusable.
“It is reaching epidemic proportions not just in the UK but across the world. Every sector in society has males who commit violent acts on women: rich or poor; of all races and religions; of all professions – including sports.
“Sporting professionals are often held up as leaders, as those who others can look up to and aspire to. Very sadly, some turn out to be just another violent man.
“Our Government and politicians time and again insist that the scourge of male violence will be addressed, yet very little change is evident. They need to show the way – and show that such crimes carry much greater punishment than the courts can give.
“If perpetrators have been officially recognised in any way as being a pillar of the community, this must be redressed and their shame laid bare for others to see and take note.”
We told in November how Hogg was also terrorising Jilly O’Donnell, who dated the player for three years, and whose desperate pleas for help were ignored by rugby bosses.
The former Scotland captain harassed her and sent hundreds of unwanted messages but bosses at Premiership side Exeter Chiefs told Jilly they were not interested.
In an exclusive interview Jilly, who believed he was separated from wife Gillian at the time they were dating, had said: “As Stuart was successful on the pitch, people were prepared to let slide what he did off the field.
“They told me their players’ personal lives were none of their concern.”
Hogg had also faced a charge of harassing ex-girlfriend of three years, Jilly, who he had bombarded with calls and messages over a 17-month period after she broke off relationship.
When Jilly’s pleas were dismissed by Exeter Chiefs, Hogg’s abuse got worse and the student nurse, from Newcastle, was instead inundated with more calls and messages from Hogg demanding an explanation.
Managing Director of Exeter Rugby Club, Natasha Pavis’ email response said: “Thank you for bringing your situation to my attention. It sounds like you have had a difficult time but I am afraid I am unable to get involved in any staff or players’ personal life. I do hope you get the help you need to recover from this experience.”
Hogg told her Jilly had separated from his wife but she discovered that was not the case when she saw him in a TV interview saying wife Gillian was pregnant with his fourth child.
We contacted Hogg’s club for comment. They did not respond.
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