Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was reported to police after allegedly causing injury to a club mascot before a match against Southampton last October.
A woman who occasionally worked as "Moonbeam", one of City's blue alien mascots, claimed the Norwegian forward playfully struck her on the head.
She subsequently reported suffering from suspected whiplash and concussion following the incident at the Etihad Stadium.
The woman alleged she felt two distinct blows to the back of her head whilst posing for a photograph, initially believing she had been struck by a stray football.
Erling Haaland was questioned by police after the incident
Reuters
She claimed to have vomited and suffered neck and head pain afterwards, prompting a visit to Salford Royal hospital.
A CT scan revealed no damage, though hospital notes confirmed her symptoms, according to reports.
The university graduate had been working as a temporary employee at City since June last year.
Manchester City launched a thorough investigation into the incident, reviewing CCTV footage of the alleged contact.
The club concluded that the evidence did not support the woman's claims that an injury was sustained in the manner she described.
According to a report cited by UK Times, "Erling Haaland always does a gentle touch on the back or head of Moonbeam as recognition."
The investigation determined that Haaland had only "grazed" the mascot and had not caused her injuries.
Greater Manchester Police also investigated the complaint lodged by the woman against Haaland.
The police review concluded with no further action being taken against the Norwegian striker.
Both the club and police investigations found that Haaland had not acted with malice or intent during the pre-match interaction.
The 6ft 4in forward is known to regularly engage with City mascots before matches.
The woman told The Sun: "I was pretty upset and I was crying and my head was thudding and I think I was in shock. I later realised he'd come behind me and hit me on the head and then leaned on my head."
She claimed a club safeguarding chief laughed off the incident, allegedly telling her: "At least you can say Erling Haaland hit you."
Man City's mascot 'Moonbeam' was told to go to hospital by City's doctor
PA
The woman was reportedly offered the chance to go home but completed her shift.
The woman claimed she was instructed to go to hospital by City's first-team doctor the day after the incident.
After returning to her role in the ticket office, she was told to reapply for her contract to be renewed.
Following a half-day interview in December, she was informed she had not been successful.
"I have never had any complaints from any of the managers about my work before," she told The Sun.
City released a statement insisting that they had completed a full investigation but found no evidence of an injury sustained
ReutersA Manchester City spokesperson said: "We 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."
The woman claimed she believed Haaland would have apologised had he been given the opportunity.
She accused the club of wanting to "sweep it under the carpet" to protect their star striker.
