Man City Fined $150,000 After Haaland, Players Surround Referee
Premier League champions Manchester City have been fined £120,000 ($150,000) after players including star striker, Erling Haaland, surrounded the referee following a controversial no-call late in a 3-3 draw against Tottenham.
The incident occurred during stoppage time on December 3 at Etihad Stadium.
Referee Simon Hooper opted not to play advantage after Haaland was taken down by Spurs’ Emerson Royal, cutting short a potential Man City attack.
“Haaland and teammates surrounded the ref because he failed to play advantage for a potential scoring chance,” the Football Association said in a statement Monday.
.Video shows Haaland visibly furious immediately after the whistle blew, continuing his complaints post-match.
The Norwegian striker didn’t face additional punishment for his conduct.
Man City admitted fault for failing “to ensure players did not behave in an improper way.”
The FA sanction came after an independent hearing.
“Manchester City FC have been fined £120,000 after their players surrounded a match official at the Premier League game against Tottenham.
“An independent regulatory commission imposed this sanction following a hearing,” the FA remarked.
While City expressed frustration with the pivotal call, manager Pep Guardiola declined to publicly criticise the referee after the match. But the club breached expectations for proper conduct.
City, however, will continue their quest to defend the Premier League title amid fierce competition at the top of the table.
