Erling Haaland has made a bizarre claim about Porto midfielder Pablo Rosario following City’s fiery 2-0 Champions League victory in Portugal.
The pair clashed in stoppage time at the Estádio do Dragão, after Haaland had scored his second goal of the night. Rosario fouled the City striker before the pair grappled on the turf, with referee Szymon Marciniak eventually booking both players.
Haaland makes bizarre Rosario claim
Speaking to Norwegian broadcaster TV2 afterwards, Haaland suggested Rosario had gone to unusual lengths to prevent him from completing his hat-trick.
“I was really keen on a hat-trick, and it seemed like he was very eager to stop me from getting it,” said Haaland.
He then added: “You’ll be seeing a picture where he’s grabbing my bottom. It’ll be interesting to see that picture.”
It was another strange moment on a bad-tempered night in Porto. Tempers had already boiled over around half-time after Marc Guéhi caught Gabri Veiga with his arm during an aerial challenge, leaving Porto furious that the City defender had escaped punishment.
Players and staff then became involved in a confrontation as the teams headed towards the tunnel, with security reportedly having to intervene.
Haaland was rather more effective when he wasn’t wrestling with Porto midfielders. His two second-half goals secured the 2-0 victory, taking him to 167 goals for City and third on the club’s all-time scoring list.
He also moved on to a remarkable 59 Champions League goals in 59 appearances.
Not a bad night’s work, even if the final few minutes were a little unconventional.
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