Kieran Trippier and his Newcastle United players came under fire after appearing to leave their mascot alone ahead of their Premier League game against Liverpool at Anfield.
Newcastle United mascot left alone ahead of game against Liverpool
Newcastle United’s club leaders plan to contact the family of the young mascot who was left alone ahead of the team’s defeat against Liverpool to try to put things under control. Anthony Gordon may have scored the first goal at Anfield on Saturday night, but his team still lost 4-1.
However, after the match, a video surfaced online showing a young girl, Newcastle’s match mascot, left alone and confused in the middle of the pitch after Howe’s entire team rushed off to prepare for the match after a pre-match handshake. The camera then panned to the other side of the pitch, where Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was passing the ball to three of the team’s young mascots.
Dan Byrne was on the team sheet as Newcastle’s captain in Bruno Guimarães’ absence, but Howe’s side were led by Kieran Trippier at Anfield, both holding the young mascot’s hand as they made their way onto the pitch.
Tippiia has been under fire since the video was published on social media. One fan told X: “What a shame??? That’s an understatement!!! This poor girl will be devastated!!! Trippier had only one job – to leave with the mascot and then make sure she got back off the pitch safely. I hope the club does more than just lend a helping hand.”
Another added: “Absolutely awful. I don’t understand why Trippier completely ignored her after shaking her hand. My son was the mascot last night. Watching this video shows that Trippier was taking care of her and then just left her…”
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And now the Telegraph has reported that not only have Newcastle contacted the mascot’s family, but club leaders have also promised to investigate what happened and make things right for their young supporters. The report also claims that after the video ended, the girl was taken to the Newcastle bench, where she shook hands with manager Eddie Howe.
Following the incident, the Newcastle United Supporters Trust said in a statement on Monday morning: “We spoke to the club yesterday about this matter. They are aware and it has been addressed and action has been taken.”
Despite taking the lead through Gordon’s goal, Liverpool turned the game around heading into half-time with Hugo Ekitike scoring twice in the opening two minutes. Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konate then rounded out the victory for Arne Slott’s side in the second half.
“It’s really disappointing because I thought it was a great performance. Four wins and one loss is really tough for us,” Howe said after the game. “We scored a great goal, started very well and were a strong counter-attacking threat.
“From our point of view, it was just a really poor way of conceding a goal. Normally you wouldn’t expect to concede a goal like that.
Kieran Trippier and his Newcastle team had an unforgettable night against Liverpool at Anfield (Image: Stu Forster)
“I have to give huge praise to Hugo Equiquique, especially for the second goal. I think it was an incredible run and finish, but I don’t think there’s any need to gloss over the details.”
“At the moment of a goal kick, I switch off for a few seconds, but then I kick it myself, because it’s an important moment in the match.”
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