Haaland's Confrontation with Gabriel Raises Concerns Over Sportsmanship
Prince Jean
Monday, September 23, 2024
Ian Wright Criticizes Haaland's Actions During Arsenal-Manchester City Clash, Calls It a "Coward's Move". Credit:gettyimages
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has branded Erling Haaland's behavior in Manchester City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal as a "coward's move." The incident occurred after City’s late equaliser at the Etihad Stadium, where Haaland threw the ball at the back of Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães’ head, who was visibly frustrated with his shirt over his face.
Following John Stones' stoppage-time goal, Haaland retrieved the ball from the net and threw it at Gabriel, who was unaware. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed the incident but deemed it unworthy of a red card. The Football Association (FA) also confirmed that no further action will be taken over the incident or the heated exchange between players after the final whistle.
Ian Wright expressed his frustration in a video shared on Instagram, stating:
"The one thing that boiled me up properly was Haaland's coward's move. Throwing the ball at Gabi's head when he wasn’t looking. When Gabi’s back's turned to him. Real coward's move. Gabi would look him in the eye, you know. I thought you [Haaland] were bigger than that."
The match saw early goals from Haaland and Gabriel, followed by a second Arsenal goal from Riccardo Calafiori. Arsenal's Leandro Trossard was controversially sent off just before half-time, leaving the Gunners to defend with 10 men for the remainder of the match. City equalised in the eighth minute of added time through Stones, keeping them one point clear at the top of the Premier League. Arsenal, meanwhile, sit fourth, two points behind the leaders.
