Erling Haaland says he has no regrets about throwing the ball at Gabriel’s head during Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Arsenal last month.
The incident occurred following John Stones’ stoppage-time equaliser in the 2-2 draw on 22 September when Haaland was seen to throw the ball at the back of the head of the Gunners’ defender.
VAR reviewed the situation but no disciplinary action was taken, as it did not meet the criteria for a red card offence.
The Football Association later confirmed that no further action would be taken regarding any of the incidents during what was a heated contest at the Etihad Stadium, which included a post-match exchange between players.
The incident prompted ex-Arsenal player Ian Wright to label Haaland’s actions as cowardly.
In a video posted on Instagram after the game, Wright said: “The one thing that boiled me up properly was Haaland’s coward’s move.
“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.”
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
While on international duty with Norway this week, Haaland finally broke his silence about the incident.
But he appeared unapologetic when asked whether he condoned his behaviour in hindsight.
“In the heat of the moment things happened in that game,” Haaland said.
“What happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch. That’s how it is.
“I don’t regret much in life.”
Haaland had opened the scoring for City in the match, before Gabriel’s goal, along with a strike from Riccardo Calafiori, turned the game on its head.
Leandro Trossard was then sent off just before half time, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side to defend with 10 men for the remainder of the game.
Stones’ levelled in the 98th minute to rescue a point for Pep Guardiola’s team.
Haaland is currently away with Norway, where in the absence of the injured Martin Odegaard, he will captain his country in Nations League games against Slovenia and Austria.
