'Get real' - Ex-refs chief hits back as controversial Erling Haaland footage re-analysed

Erling Haaland had no reason to worry about his second goal being disallowed during Manchester City's 3-2 win over Ipswich Town.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Abdoul Ouattara had simply been beaten by a stronger player.

Man City and Ipswich played out a five-goal thriller at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 17 October, with Phil Foden kicking it all off in the 19th minute.

Daizen Maeda hit back moments later, but thanks to a brace from Haaland, Zian Flemming's 90th-minute penalty was no more than a consolation goal.

After the game, Ipswich fans began reviewing the footage, with some believing that Haaland's second goal should have been ruled out for a foul.

The debate continues well after full-time, though. One former PGMOL chief has shared his thoughts on the footage to finally end that debate.

Erling Haaland 'has a right' to battle for the ball

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett has suggested that anyone calling for the goal to be ruled out needs to "get real".

"I'm not going to rule that out. I think that Haaland has a right to go for the ball. I don't think he's fouled his opponent," he said.

"The opponent knows he's beaten by a stronger guy and he starts to fall a bit prematurely. So for me, I think that's a goal I'm not going to rule out.

"I think that referees have got to take that approach. If you're going to knock a goal off, you've got to be 100 per cent that a foul has taken place.

"That's not the case in this situation. Good goal, great play. Football is a contact sport, and this guy has got great strengths. He's battling his way through.

"I think this is a typical Haaland goal where he's like a merchant tanker. Once he's on the go, he's not going to stop, and he's going to put the ball in the back of the net. So, get real."

Marc Guehi's display raises serious alarm bells

Despite claiming all three points, Enzo Maresca will be far from happy with his team's performance, with the Tractor Boys nearly equalising.

Marc Guehi was at fault for both of Ipswich's goals, and this was not a one-off from the England international, either. He was dreadful against PSG.

England fans were also critical of the centre-half during the most recent international window, and he's only brought that form back to Manchester.

The upcoming game against AEK Athens would be the perfect chance to give him a rest, but it remains to be seen if Maresca will do that.