“WTF” – Erling Haaland responds to mind-blowing refereeing decision in Manchester City 3-3 Tottenham

Erling Haaland has dropped a telling response on social media to a baffling decision from Simon Hooper during Manchester City’s 3-3 draw against Tottenham.

The on-field match official – who has already been stood down once from officiating duties this season – adjudged Erling Haaland to have been fouled late on in the contest, after initially indicating for Manchester City to play-on.

That initial decision saw Jack Grealish played through on goal, with the assistant referee keeping his flag down to confirm the England international was onside from the initial pass from Erling Haaland.

However, instead of standing by his initial correct call, Simon Hooper immediately pulled the play back with Grealish hurtling towards a one-vs-one with the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper in an opportunity to win the game in dramatic fashion.

Erling Haaland and his Manchester City teammates were left seething by the call, surrounding Hooper to issue their frustration, and the Norway international has taken things further after the contest online.

Responding shortly after the full-time whistle, striker Erling Haaland took to social media to react to imagery showcasing Simon Hooper’s on-field decision, issuing a three-letter post on his X account.

“Wtf,” were the simple but telling words of the Manchester City striker.

Pep Guardiola also offered his take on the decision, as he told the media after the contest, “Next question. I will not do a Mikel Arteta comment.”

He continued, “It is hard when you review the image, the referee decides to blow the whistle after he has already said to play on. After the pass, the whistle, so I do not understand this action.”

“I don’t want to criticise them (the referees). Sometimes on the touchline I lose my mind, but here I don’t like to comment. We didn’t draw because of that.”

Manchester City will return to action on Wednesday night as they travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League, but without the services of Jack Grealish or Rodri – both of whom picked up suspensions through an accumulation of yellow cards.