Manchester City mascot accuses club of ‘cover-up’ after Erling Haaland ‘hit her on head’ | OneFootball

She was allegedly taken to hospital after vomiting and experiencing neck and head pain

Manchester City launched a probe into striker Erling Haaland after he hit the football club’s mascot, leaving her in hospital with suspected whiplash and concussion.

She was taken to hospital after vomiting and experiencing neck and head pain, though a CT scan at Salford Royal's A&E revealed no serious injuries.

A probe by Man City has since cleared Haaland, and the club has decided not to renew the woman’s contract as a ticket officer and occasional mascot.

The woman criticised “arrogant” Premier League authorities and insisted the incident should be treated more seriously, having lodged an assault complaint with the police.

Before City's match against Southampton on October 26, the woman—while dressed as Moonbeam—said she felt two blows to the back of her head as she posed for a photo.

She reportedly said to a colleague: “What the hell was that that hit me.” He replied: “It was Erling. He hit you from behind.”

She informed City's safeguarding boss, who allegedly laughed it off, saying: “At least you can say Erling Haaland hit you.”

The woman continued her shift after being given the option to leave early.

An investigation concluded that Haaland did not cause injury to the woman. A report said: “Erling Haaland always does a gentle touch on the back or head of Moonbeam as recognition.”

CCTV footage requested by City’s health and safety head Paul Kenyon reportedly showed the footballer merely “grazing” the mascot.

Greater Manchester Police have also informed the woman that they do not believe Haaland acted with malice.

Despite this, she said on Thursday night: “I’m sure Erling would have apologised to me if they had given him the chance. But they just wanted to sweep it under the carpet.”

A spokesperson for Manchester City said: “Manchester City refute the complaint that was made in this regard. The Club fully investigated and found that none of the evidence, including video footage backed up the claim that an injury was sustained in the manner alleged. We’re also aware a complaint was made to Greater Manchester Police and no further action was taken by them either.”