Erling Haaland will face no retrospective punishment for throwing the ball at Gabriel’s head during Man City’s feisty 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.
In a dramatic finale to the game, Haaland threw the ball at the back of Gabriel’s head after John Stones scored City’s stoppage-time equaliser, but the Football Association (FA) cannot get involved because the incident was reviewed by the VAR, John Brooks, at the time.
Brooks decided it was not an act of violent conduct and so not worthy of a red card.
With the VAR unable to intervene to recommend a booking, there was no on-field sanction and Haaland will face no further punishment from the FA.
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Listen to Erling Haaland’s comments to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta at full-time after Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad – just one of a number of fiery exchanges
Sky Sports News also understands Manchester City and Arsenal will face no retrospective punishment from the FA for their conduct during the enthralling encounter at the Etihad Stadium.
Whilst the FA disciplinary team reviews each contentious incident in all games every weekend, it’s thought there was no single incident on the field or on the touchline in the draw between Man City and Arsenal that is worthy of further FA action.
‘A coward’s move’
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright called Haaland’s ball throw a “coward’s move”.
He said on Instagram: “The Trossard sending off, it’s foolishness what they’re getting sent off for now, but you know what really boiled me up properly?
“Haaland’s coward move – throwing the ball at Gabi’s head when he’s not looking, when his back is turned to him.
“It’s a coward’s move. Gabi would look you in the eye.
“That’s what bothered me more than anything else. I thought you [Haaland] were bigger than that.”
What else did Haaland get up to against Arsenal?
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The Sky Sports Ref Watch panel agree that Erling Haaland was running a risk of further punishment after goading Arsenal defender Gabriel following City’s late late equaliser at the Etihad.
Haaland angered several Arsenal players with his antics towards the end of the 2-2 draw and also after the game.
He also had words for Arsenal Mikel Arteta at full-time at the Etihad – just one of a number of fiery exchanges during the contest..
Here’s what Haaland got up to…
- As already mentioned, the Norwegian striker threw the ball at Gabriel following Stones’ late equaliser
- Haaland then barged straight into Thomas Partey following the restart
- He then went head-to-head with Gabriel following the incident and appeared to ask Myles Lewis-Skelly: “Who the **** are you?”
- And finally, Haaland exchanged words with both Mikel Arteta and Gabriel Jesus after the final whistle
- Haaland said to Arteta: “Stay humble eh, stay humble eh.” He then told Jesus to “get the **** away.”
Three decisions that shaped City-Arsenal title showdown
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Highlights from the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal.
The showdown between title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal was an early-season epic. There were excellently executed goals but also decisions from the officials that defined the shape of the contest.
We take a closer look at three big calls from referee Michael Oliver and his team which had an impact on the dramatic 2-2 draw between two of the Premier League’s heavyweights…
READ HERE
