Manchester City striker Erling Haaland faces allegations of assault after hitting the club’s mascot, Moonbeam, before a match against Southampton. Man City denied any reprehensible act, citing the lack of evidence. Discover the complete controversy.
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Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is at the center of the controversy after allegations surfaced according to which he hit the club’s mascot, Moonbeam, at the back of the head before a Premier League match against Southampton in October 2024. The incident led to a police complaint, but Manchester City would have refused any act.
The allegations arise from an incident at the Etihad stadium where Haaland would have struck the club’s mascot’s head, Moonbeam, depicted by a temporary employee. The reports suggest that the woman initially believed that she had been struck by a wandering football while posing for a photo. However, she learned later that Haaland had struck her from behind.
After the incident, the woman, who had been working like Moonbeam since last summer, has done medical checks in a hospital the next day. She would have filed a complaint for assault at the Grand Manchester police after the incident.
Man City denies allegations
Manchester City would have launched an internal investigation into the issue. The club finally eliminated Haaland from any reprehensible act and chose not to renew the contract of the woman involved. A spokesperson for the Premier League club rejected the allegations.
“The club has fully investigated and found that none of the evidence, especially video sequences, has argued that an injury had been suffered in the alleged manner. We also know that a complaint was filed with the Grand Manchester police and that no other measure was taken either,” said the spokesperson.
The perspective of the mascot
The woman, who chose to remain anonymous, accused Manchester City of having tried to protect the haaland and cover the incident.
“I was quite upset and I was crying. My head was making noise and I think I was in shock. I realized later that he had come behind me and hit myself on the head and then looked into my head, ”she was quoted by The sun.
She said she was suffering when she left the field and asked a colleague: “What did it hit me?” What would have been said to him, “It was Erling. He hit you from behind. “
