Manchester City finds itself in hot water with the Football Association as they’ve been charged for their players’ alleged failure to ensure proper behavior during added time in the recent Premier League clash against Tottenham. The focal point of the controversy revolves around Erling Haaland, who, along with his teammates, vehemently protested the denial of an advantage following a foul on him.
During the closing moments of the thrilling 3-3 draw, Haaland shrugged off a challenge, aiming to set up Jack Grealish, but referee Simon Hooper opted to pull back play and award a free-kick to the hosts at the Etihad Stadium. The frustration spilled over as Haaland continued to voice his displeasure even after the final whistle, going so far as to criticize Hooper on social media with a post simply reading ‘Wtf.’
The official FA statement, shared on Twitter, states, “Manchester City have been charged with a breach of FA Rule 20.1 after their players surrounded the match official during their Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 3 December 2023.” The club now has until Thursday, December 7, to respond to the charge.
Despite the contentious decision, the PA news agency reports that Simon Hooper will not be removed from refereeing duties for the upcoming Sheffield United versus Liverpool match on Wednesday. Interestingly, City had their own missed opportunities during the game, with Erling Haaland, among others, failing to convert clear chances that could have secured a more comfortable victory.
Acknowledging the ups and downs of football, Haaland commented on the situation, stating, “It is a tough one to take, but in the end it is what it is, it’s football, and sometimes people make mistakes.” Following his initial social media complaint, the 23-year-old forward responded in a lighter vein to a humorous tweet that playfully incorporated his incredulous expression during the match into Edvard Munch’s famous painting, The Scream. Reposting the image, Haaland wrote: “Wtf that made me smile for the first time today.” The saga adds a touch of levity to an otherwise contentious situation.

The focal point of the controversy revolves around Erling Haaland, who, along with his teammates, vehemently protested the denial of an advantage following a foul on him.

During the closing moments of the thrilling 3-3 draw, Haaland shrugged off a challenge, aiming to set up Jack Grealish, but referee Simon Hooper opted to pull back play and award a free-kick to the hosts at the Etihad Stadium.

The frustration spilled over as Haaland continued to voice his displeasure even after the final whistle, going so far as to criticize Hooper on social media with a post simply reading ‘Wtf.’
The official FA statement, shared on Twitter, states, “Manchester City have been charged with a breach of FA Rule 20.1 after their players surrounded the match official during their Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 3 December 2023.”

The club now has until Thursday, December 7, to respond to the charge.
Despite the contentious decision, the PA news agency reports that Simon Hooper will not be removed from refereeing duties for the upcoming Sheffield United versus Liverpool match on Wednesday.

Interestingly, City had their own missed opportunities during the game, with Erling Haaland, among others, failing to convert clear chances that could have secured a more comfortable victory.
Acknowledging the ups and downs of football, Haaland commented on the situation, stating, “It is a tough one to take, but in the end it is what it is, it’s football, and sometimes people make mistakes.”
Following his initial social media complaint, the 23-year-old forward responded in a lighter vein to a humorous tweet that playfully incorporated his incredulous expression during the match into Edvard Munch’s famous painting, The Scream.
Reposting the image, Haaland wrote: “Wtf that made me smile for the first time today.” The saga adds a touch of levity to an otherwise contentious situation.