Erling Haaland has been accused of causing a woman working as Manchester City’s mascot, ‘Moonbeam,’ to suffer from concussion and whiplash. According to The Sun, the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, was struck on the back of the head by the Norwegian striker while inside the costume before City’s Premier League match against Southampton in October.
As she posed for a photo, she felt two blows to the back of her head and asked a colleague what had hit her. She was then told it was Haaland. Recalling the incident, she said:
“I was really upset, crying, and had a throbbing headache. I think I was in shock. Later, I realized he had come up behind me, hit me on the head, and then leaned on my head.”
The woman, who started working for City in June and occasionally performed as Moonbeam on matchdays, reported the incident to the club’s safeguarding officer. However, she claimed the matter was dismissed with a remark: “At least you can say Erling Haaland hit you.”
Although she was given the option to go home, she chose to continue working. Later, she vomited and experienced neck and head pain. A hospital visit the next day, including a CT scan, showed no serious injury.
Manchester City’s head of health and safety, Paul Kenyon, conducted an investigation, but CCTV footage reportedly showed Haaland only lightly touching or grazing the mascot’s head as a form of recognition. The club concluded that he had not caused any harm. The woman also reported the matter to Greater Manchester Police, who cleared Haaland of any wrongdoing.
She later criticized City’s handling of the situation, claiming they tried to downplay it. She stated:
“I asked if anyone had spoken to Erling, and they said, ‘No, they don’t want to distract him.’ I believe he would have apologized if given the chance. But they just wanted to ignore it.”
A City spokesperson responded, saying:
“Manchester City refute the complaint. A full investigation, including video review, found no evidence supporting the claim of injury. Greater Manchester Police also took no further action.”
The woman returned to her role in the ticket office but was informed she needed to reapply to renew her contract. Despite reapplying, she was unsuccessful and left the club in December.