Erling Haaland has made an unusual allegation following Manchester City's 2-0 Champions League victory at Porto on Tuesday, claiming that midfielder Pablo Rosario grabbed his bottom during a late scuffle at the Estádio do Dragão.
The incident unfolded in the 92nd minute after Haaland, who had already scored both of City's goals, was fouled by Rosario. The pair became entangled and ended up on the ground before being pulled apart, with both players receiving yellow cards. Speaking to Norway's TV2 after the match, Haaland suggested there was more to the coming-together than a simple foul.
"I was really keen on a hat-trick and it seemed like he was very eager to stop me from getting it," Haaland said. "It was a little interesting, that. You'll be seeing a picture where he's grabbing my bottom. It'll be interesting to see that picture."
The late flashpoint was only the latest moment of tension in a fractious European night. Trouble had first flared before half-time when City defender Marc Guéhi collided with Porto's Gabri Veiga during an aerial duel, catching the Portuguese forward's head with his arm and leaving him bloodied. Referee Szymon Marciniak opted not to send Guéhi off, a decision that infuriated the home side.
The frustration boiled over as both teams headed down the tunnel at the interval, with players and staff clashing and security staff needed to restore calm. Footage circulating afterward appeared to show City captain Rúben Dias placing a hand on the chest of Porto head coach Francesco Farioli near the tunnel entrance.
UEFA is expected to review the referee's report along with observations from match delegate Stéphanie Ford before determining whether to open disciplinary proceedings. Manchester City could face sanctions, potentially including a fine, depending on the outcome of that review.
Farioli was scathing in his post-match assessment of the officiating, insisting his side were unfairly treated. "The footage of the foul on Gabri Veiga is very clear and Gvardiol should also have been shown a second yellow card," the Porto coach said. "He behaved in an unsporting manner when he was already on a yellow. At this level, and playing against 10 men for an entire second half… things could have been different."
Veiga echoed his manager's frustration but was measured in his criticism of the referee. "He is a world-class referee and I respect him, but when an opponent leads with his elbow and then there is blood, there is not much to say," Veiga said. "We all make mistakes."
Despite the chaotic atmosphere, City were able to keep their composure on the pitch. Haaland's opener arrived in the 47th minute, a header that extended his remarkable recent scoring streak — the Norwegian has now netted five goals in his last three matches, three of them with his head. He credited improvement in his aerial ability to extra practice with his father, former City and Leeds midfielder Alf-Inge Haaland.
"Over the years, I've worked a lot on my heading. I've improved it massively and it's become a strength of my game," Haaland said, adding that experience has played a part. "Two days ago I was practising headers with my dad in the garden!"
With City's schedule showing no signs of easing, Haaland also acknowledged the physical toll of a congested fixture list, agreeing with manager Enzo Maresca that a rest may soon be needed. "It's not easy to get any rest in this business," he said. "Like during the international break, we play four games in 10 or 11 days, so it's not easy. But you have to try to squeeze in a few days here and there and give your mind a bit of a break."
Based on reporting from The Independent and The Guardian.