Pundit slams 'reckless' Erling Haaland after what he spotted at Man City - 'I've seen him do it before'

Pundit slams 'reckless' Erling Haaland after what he spotted at Man City - 'I've seen him do it before'

Paul Robinson

Paul Robinson is a former England goalkeeper who played in the Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United Blackburn Rovers and Burnley. Paul is a former England international, earning 41 caps between 2003 and 2007. He joined Football Insider in 2020 and is a regular at Premier League matches and also often hops on a plane to cover the Saudi Pro League as well as Serie A.

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Paul Robinson has claimed Man City striker Erling Haaland's challenge on Vitalii Mykolenko was "silly" and "reckless".

However, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one does not believe the tackle was deserving of a red card.

As shown on Sky Sports, Haaland produced a late challenge on Mykolenko in the first half of Man City's 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday (31 December).

The Norwegian striker was shown a yellow card for the tackle, much to the dismay of Everton's players.

Haaland has never been shown a red card in his senior career.

When asked by Football Insider if the striker should have been sent off for his challenge on Mykolenko, Robinson said: "It is a silly tackle.

"I have seen a few similar challenges from Haaland before when he's trying to close down the full-back.

"It is reckless and it is high but I'm not sure it is quite enough for a red card. I don't think there was enough in it for VAR to overturn the referee's decision.

"I don't think there was any malice in it. I think Haaland was genuinely trying to block the clearance.

"He's gone in recklessly but I think a yellow card is the right decision in the end."

Haaland has been in scintillating form for Pep Guardiola's side this season.

He has scored 27 goals in 21 appearances to date.

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