Manchester City Reject Claims Erling Haaland Attacked Club Mascot

Manchester City have issued a statement denying claims that Erling Haaland attacked the club's mascot, Moonbeam, in an incident that allegedly occurred in October.

Manchester City has issued a denial of allegations made against their Norwegian striker Erling Haaland. The club's mascot, Moonbeam, has accused Haaland of assault, claiming that the Norwegian striker hit him on the back of the head, resulting in injuries that required hospital treatment.

The alleged incident took place in October, prior to Manchester City's home Premier League match against Southampton. British media outlets have reported on the allegations, prompting the club to release a statement rejecting the claims made against Haaland.

Erling Haaland left a woman working as #ManCity mascot ‘Moonbeam’ needing hospital treatment with suspected whiplash and concussion after a knock to her head with a football before Southampton (H), reports @SunSport. The woman, who does not want to be named, also lodged an… pic.twitter.com/VXQLxbYDE4

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) March 28, 2025

A woman reported to newspapers that she was in shock after posing for a photo dressed as Moonbeam, when Norwegian Haaland gave her a playful knock to the head. She filed an assault complaint with the police and raised the issue with the Premier League champions, the reports said.

“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,” a City spokesperson was quoted as saying.

”We're also aware a complaint was made to Greater Manchester Police and no further action was taken by them either,” the spokesperson added.