Erling Haaland has found himself at the center of controversy after allegedly striking a Manchester City mascot on the head before a match.
While the Norwegian striker faced no official consequences, the incident left the club employee shaken and later out of a job.
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The alleged event took place on October 26, 2024, during City’s clash with Southampton. According to reports, Haaland was posing for a pre-match photo when the club’s mascot, Moonbeam, felt two sudden blows to the back of their head.
Confused and in pain, the employee asked what had happened, to which a teammate reportedly responded, “It was Erling.”
Initially, the complaint was dismissed internally, with club staff allegedly laughing off the situation. However, the mascot, who later suffered vomiting, neck pain, and headaches, decided to report the incident to Manchester Police.
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The employee even sought medical attention at a hospital, fearing the impact was more serious than it initially seemed.
Erling Haaland was accused of injuring Man City mascot “Moonbeam” with a playful knock before a game vs Southampton.
— City Chief (@City_Chief) March 28, 2025
The club investigated and found no evidence to support the claim. Greater Manchester Police also confirmed there was no malice involved.
[@SunSport] pic.twitter.com/hSHlsVZLqZ
Despite the report, the case went nowhere. Authorities did not pursue charges, and an internal Manchester City investigation found no grounds for disciplinary action. The club maintained that Haaland merely “brushed past” the mascot and playfully tapped them on the head as a sign of appreciation.
By December, the club had not renewed the employee’s contract, though it remains unclear whether the alleged incident played a role in that decision. Haaland, on the other hand, continues to shine on the pitch, unfazed by the controversy swirling off it.
With no official punishment and conflicting accounts of the event, the debate over what really happened lingers. Was it just an innocent misunderstanding, or did Haaland cross the line? For now, the answer remains uncertain.
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