Erling Haaland faces Man City suspension risk after Virgil van Dijk example in Arsenal boost
Manchester City star Erling Haaland could face serious consequences for his reaction to a controversial decision made in the late stages of the draw against Tottenham. Deep into added time, Haaland was fouled by Emerson Royal with Simon Hooper initially playing advantage which allowed Haaland to pick out Jack Grealish in behind the Tottenham backline only for the referee to then blow up for the foul.
Incensed by the decision, Haaland was among many Man City stars to surround Hooper with the Norway international booked for his actions. At the final whistle, which followed shortly after, Haaland angrily stormed off the pitch while clearly shouting at the officials before bumping into Giovani Lo Celso which caused a mini-scuffle to ensue.
While Haaland was not sent off and the yellow card was not his fifth of the season, he could still miss the trip to Aston Villa or next weekend's fixture against Luton Town. That is because Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk saw his absence for a red card picked up against Newcastle earlier in the season extended after he swore rather clearly at the referee.
While we do not know what Haaland might have said on the pitch, he was not shy in making his feelings known on social media after the final whistle. He tweeted: «Wtf» with a picture of the decision being made.
Pep Guardiola will already be without Jack Grealish and Rodri for the trip to Villa Park and the absence of his star striker could present a significant problem. Under Unai Emery, Villa are in search of their 14th successive win on their own patch and therefore the reigning champions will do well to leave with anything from the game.
Jeremy Doku could also be absent after he limped off in the draw against Spurs and with Grealish also
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