In a deeply unfortunate incident that has sparked widespread criticism, Newcastle United's players left their young mascot abandoned on the pitch at Anfield before their comprehensive 4-1 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday. The distressing episode, which unfolded during the pre-match formalities, was captured on video by a supporter and subsequently went viral across social media platforms on Sunday evening.
Viral Footage Captures Mascot's Isolation
The footage clearly shows the two teams walking out of the tunnel onto the hallowed Anfield turf, with the young girl being led by stand-in captain Kieran Trippier. With regular skipper Bruno Guimaraes sidelined due to an ankle injury, Trippier had assumed the captain's armband for the crucial Premier League encounter.
However, after the customary handshakes between opposing players were completed, Trippier and his Newcastle teammates proceeded to leave the mascot standing completely alone near the centre circle for well over sixty seconds. The players were preoccupied with removing their pre-match tracksuit jackets and handing them to support staff stationed along the touchline.
Contrasting Approaches from Captains
Liverpool's official photographer attempted to intervene, urging the isolated girl to walk over to where the Newcastle squad had congregated. Despite this encouragement, she remained solitary in the middle of the pitch as the Magpies continued their final preparations.
This stood in stark contrast to the behaviour of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who remained engaged with his club's four young mascots throughout the build-up. The Dutch defender was seen playfully passing a football to them inside the penalty area in front of the famous Kop stand before kick-off. Van Dijk then thoughtfully escorted all four Liverpool mascots towards the centre circle for the traditional pre-match photograph.
Social Media Reaction and Club Response
The video clip concluded with the Newcastle mascot still standing alone, even as Van Dijk approached her position. Trippier eventually walked back from the touchline to rejoin her, but the damage to the club's reputation had already been done.
Social media reactions were swift and condemnatory. One observer posted: 'Newcastle leaving the poor mascot on her own before the game. Poor captaincy from Trippier!' Adding poignant perspective, a father of one of Liverpool's mascots who attended the match wrote online: 'So bad. Why Trippier completely neglected her after the handshakes is unfathomable. My son was a mascot last night. We can see from this video that Trippier was looking after her then just simply left her.'
According to reports from The Telegraph, Newcastle United have since initiated contact with the young girl's family in an effort to 'put things right'. The club hierarchy were apparently unaware of the incident until the footage began circulating widely online.
Looking Ahead for the Magpies
Eddie Howe's side must now regroup quickly as they face Manchester City in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday evening. This unfortunate incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over their preparations, highlighting the importance of attention to detail and consideration in all aspects of matchday operations, not just the ninety minutes of football itself.
The episode serves as a reminder of the profound impact that seemingly small moments can have on young supporters' experiences, and how contrasting approaches from professional footballers can define public perception far beyond the final scoreline.
