Erling Haaland’s decision to throw the ball at the back of Gabriel’s head after Manchester City’s late equaliser against Arsenal was labeled a “coward’s move” by former Gunners striker Ian Wright.
The incident occurred after John Stones scored City’s equaliser in the dying seconds of the game.
As Haaland retrieved the ball from the net, he threw it at Arsenal defender Gabriel, who was facing the other way with his shirt pulled over his head in frustration.
VAR reviewed the situation but chose not to take any action, as it did not meet the criteria for a red card offence.
The Football Association also confirmed that no further action would be taken regarding any of the incidents during the 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium, including a post-match exchange between players.
In a video posted on Instagram, Wright expressed his anger at Haaland’s actions, stating: “The one thing that boiled me up properly was Haaland’s coward’s move.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has had his say following Man City’s draw against the Gunners. #BBCFootball #PL pic.twitter.com/Mf8SyVBpbn
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 23, 2024
“Throwing the ball at Gabi’s head when he’s not looking, when Gabi’s back’s turned to him. Real coward’s move. Gabi would look him in the eye, you know.
“That’s what bothered me more than anything else. I thought you [Haaland] were bigger than that.”
During the match, Gabriel’s goal, along with a strike from Riccardo Calafiori, cancelled out Haaland’s early opener for City.
Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard was sent off just before half time, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side to defend with 10 men for the remainder of the game.
The draw keeps Manchester City one point ahead at the top of the Premier League, with Arsenal trailing two points behind in fourth place.
