Newcastle set to launch investigation after disturbing pre-match footage from Liverpool clash surfaces
Arne Slot’s Liverpool strengthened their push for a top-four finish with an emphatic 4–1 Premier League victory over Newcastle United at Anfield on Saturday night. However, the aftermath of the match has seen Newcastle pledge to contact the family of a young mascot after footage surfaced showing her left alone on the pitch before kick-off.
Eddie Howe’s side struggled throughout the contest. Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock after 36 minutes, but Liverpool responded swiftly as Hugo Ekitike struck twice in quick succession between the 41st and 43rd minutes to give the reigning champions a narrow half-time lead. Florian Wirtz added a third just before the 70-minute mark, and Ibrahima Konaté rounded off the scoring in stoppage time with his first ever Liverpool goal not scored with his head.
Despite the on-field action, attention later shifted to a troubling clip circulating online. Once the pre-match handshakes ended and players began their final preparations, a Newcastle mascot was left standing alone. With little guidance, she drifted toward the halfway line, visibly unsure of where to go, hands tucked into her pockets. The footage does not show what happened once players returned into view.
A member of Liverpool’s staff was seen attempting to guide the young girl back toward the Newcastle players as they gathered for instructions, but she appeared understandably hesitant.
According to Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards, Newcastle have since committed to putting things right and intend to reach out to the mascot’s family. Senior club figures were reportedly contacted after the video gained traction on social media.
“I’ve spoken to people at Newcastle this evening after seeing this, and they want to make amends with the mascot. I felt so sorry for the little girl,” Edwards posted on X.
On the football side, Newcastle continue to feel the impact of losing Alexander Isak in the summer of 2025, despite bringing in Nick Woltemade as a direct replacement. The heavy defeat at Anfield underlined their struggles this season, leaving them mid-table in the 2025/26 Premier League, eight points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United.
They will aim to bounce back when they face Manchester City in the League Cup on Wednesday, before hosting Brentford next weekend and travelling to Tottenham Hotspur shortly after. While a top-four finish remains possible, consistent performances — particularly from new signing Woltemade — will be crucial.
Newcastle also face a busy schedule elsewhere, with an FA Cup clash against Aston Villa on Valentine’s Day and a Champions League play-off ahead, having finished 12th in the league phase as they chase a place in the knockout rounds.