Erling Haaland escapes FA punishment but Man City hit with charge
Erling Haaland will face no punishment for his social media post that appeared to criticise the officials after Manchester City's controversial draw with Tottenham, but the Blues face a separate charge of failing to control their players.
City were held to an entertaining 3-3 draw at the Etihad, but the aftermath of the game was overshadowed by referee Simon Hooper's late decision to pull back a 94th minute counter attack for a foul, despite Jack Grealish being sent through clean on goal.
Hooper had initially signalled to play on after Haaland was fouled, but the striker picked himself up to free Grealish for what could have been a City winner. When Hooper then pulled play back, Haaland was furious and the whole City team surrounded the referee to protest the decision.
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After the game, Haaland was involved in a minor coming together with Tottenham players and staff as he stormed down the tunnel, later posting a video of the incident with the caption: 'wtf.' However, the FA have deemed the post not to be in breach of their social media rules, and no further action will be taken regarding the post, or Haaland's angry reaction at full time where he appeared to shout expletives as he exited the pitch.
Instead, City are charged with a breach of rule E20.1 after their players surrounded Hooper after the decision went against them. The FA said: "It's alleged that, during the 94th minute of the fixture, the club failed to ensure their players do not behave in a way which is improper."
City have until December 7 to respond to the charge. Meanwhile,
