During Manchester City’s thrilling match with Real Madrid, Erling Haaland was struck in the face by the referee at half-time, leaving the striker visibly frustrated with French official Francois Letexier during the Champions League quarter-final first leg, as reported by The Sun.
Erling Haaland reacts as referee accidentally hits him
Letexier accidentally struck erling Haaland in the face with the back of his hand as both walked off the pitch after the half-time whistle at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The incident unfolded as Letexier was gesturing while handling protests from Real Madrid full-back Dani Carvajal.
Haaland reacted by throwing his hands up in the air and turning to the referee, who promptly placed his hands on him to apologize and check if he was okay.
Fans react to the incident
Fans swiftly responded to the incident on social media, with one individual commenting, “The referee slaps Haaland to see if he wakes up in the second half.”
Another added: “Ref couldn’t see him as he ghosted all half.”
A third supporter also joked: “Wake up call from the referee.”
Meanwhile, one more wrote: “He didn’t see Haaland was on the pitch.”
Meanwhile, Sports Buddy reported that Bukayo Saka and his Arsenal colleagues were furious after their appeal for a penalty was dismissed at the conclusion of their Champions League draw with Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
