Haaland called a coward after Man City's clash with Arsenal
- Erling Haaland faced criticism from Ian Wright for throwing the ball at Gabriel's head after John Stones' equaliser during the match.
- The Football Association decided not to take further action against Haaland as the incident was reviewed by VAR and not deemed a red card offense.
- The match's aftermath included heightened tensions, with Haaland reportedly insulting Gabriel Jesus and advising Mikel Arteta to 'stay humble.'
The recent Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium ended in controversy, particularly following John Stones' injury-time equaliser. This goal led to heightened tensions on the pitch, reminiscent of past fierce encounters between the two clubs. Ian Wright, a former Arsenal striker, publicly criticized Erling Haaland for his actions after the goal, specifically for throwing the ball at defender Gabriel while he was not looking. Wright labeled this act as cowardly, expressing disappointment in Haaland's behavior, which overshadowed his achievement of scoring his 100th goal for City. Despite the incident, the Football Association confirmed that no further action would be taken against Haaland, as the situation had been reviewed by VAR during the match and was not deemed a red card offense. The match was already charged with emotion, as Arsenal had to play the second half with ten men after Leandro Trossard received a red card just before halftime. The post-match atmosphere remained tense, with Haaland reportedly calling former City striker Gabriel Jesus a derogatory name. Additionally, a handshake between Haaland and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was filled with tension, with Haaland advising Arteta to 'stay humble.' This incident has sparked discussions about sportsmanship and player conduct in high-stakes matches. Overall, the clash not only highlighted the competitive nature of the Premier League but also raised questions about player behavior and the responsibilities of athletes in maintaining respect on the field.