Erling Haaland-Gabriel bust-up: Ex-PGMOL chief hits out at Arsenal controversy
Gabriel Maghalaes should have been booked for taunting Erling Haaland during their long-running off-the-ball battle in Arsenal’s win over Man City, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that it is though unlikely that any retrospective action will be taken over the incident.
Mikel Arteta’s side enjoyed an excellent afternoon against the Premier League champions on Sunday (2 February), claiming an emphatic 5-1 win at the Emirates.
This latest clash between Arsenal and Man City was again filled with plenty of rivalry and tension, some of which Hackett believes went over the line in another controversy involving Haaland.
Arsenal taunts at Haaland were ‘out of order’ and ‘disrespectful’
There was plenty of needle heading into this game, after Haaland’s action late on in the 2-2 draw between the sides back in September.
The Man City striker had angered Arsenal with his comment to Arteta telling him to “stay humble”, while also swearing at others individuals.
He had also thrown the ball at the head of Gabriel after Guardiola’s side had netted a last minute equaliser at the Etihad.
However, the centre-back got his own back by laughing in the face of Haaland after the Gunners went in front with just two minutes on the clock at the Emirates.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, who had also been caught up in the dispute with Haaland in the reverse fixture, also mocked the striker, including with his celebration after putting Arsenal 3-1 up.
Hackett believes these incidents should have been dealt with on the pitch by referee Peter Bankes, but does not now expect to see any further action taken.
When asked about that taunting of the Man City ace by the Gunners, the former referee said:
“It was out of order. In a competitive environment tempers can rise. However you would hope that players should respect each other.
“If the referee had witnessed this then he should have taken appropriate action and issued the offending player with a yellow card for unsporting behaviour. I do not expect the authorities to take up this matter.”
Following that win, Arsenal remain second in the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
Man City meanwhile are fourth, with the title seemingly slipping away from their grasp after four straight years on top.
In other news, Kai Havertz has sent a message to Arsenal fans after their win over Man City.
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