Manchester City have denied claims that Erling Haaland allegedly left the club's mascot with a head injury as local police begin an investigation into the Norwegian star.
The woman who wore the club's mascot costume accused Haaland of hitting her head in a photo taken before City's Premier League battle against Southhampton in October.
In an interview with The Sun, the woman said she first believed she was struck by a stray football before learning it was the star striker who had knocked her.
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The impact allegedly cause the woman to vomit and left her with neck and head pain. She states she was assessed by the club's first-team doctor shortly after the incident and was advised to go to the hospital.
Notes from the emergency department at Salford Royal confirmed the woman's symptoms, but a CT scan cleared her of any damage.
Manchester City mascot Moonbeam.
Manchester City mascot Moonbeam. Offside via Getty Images
"I was pretty upset and I was crying... I was in shock," she told the UK publication. The Sun.
"I later realised he'd come behind me and hit me on the head and then leaned on my head."
The woman alleges she informed the club's safeguarding boss of the incident but her concerns were laughed off.
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"I asked if anyone had spoken to Erling and he said, 'No, they don't want to distract him'," she continued.
"I was offended because I was the one hurt but I was being asked all the questions.
"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."
Manchester City's Erling Haaland celebrates scoring a goal.
Manchester City's Erling Haaland celebrates scoring a goal. PA Images via Getty Images
The woman, who is a recent university graduate, filed an assault complaint with Manchester police and raised the issue with the club.
Yet, an investigation conducted by City cleared the 2023 Golden Boot winner of any misconduct as CCTV footage of the incident showed it was only a "gentle touch."
A statement from a spokesperson from the club said the "none of the evidence" found by the club "backed up the claim that an injury was sustained in the manner alleged."
The woman's contract as club mascot 'Moonbeam' was not renewed after the incident.
She states she was told she had to reapply to prolong her time in the role but was informed she was unsuccessful after an interview in December.