Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey has shared his views on a potential ban for Erling Haaland following the heated Premier League encounter between Arsenal and Manchester City. The 24-year-old striker was at the heart of four major talking points from the game, with the first occurring just five minutes in.
Seemingly reacting to Kai Havertz’s shoulder block on Rodri shortly after the start, Haaland launched into a hefty tackle on William Saliba – and he may have been fortunate not to receive a card. Moments later, the Norway international broke the deadlock with a brilliant finish.
Despite falling behind, the Gunners bounced back, netting twice before half-time. However, Leandro Trossard’s red card just before the interval significantly altered the course of the game, with City dominating the second half.
In reaction to the ball hitting the back of the net, Haaland picked it up and threw it at the back of Gabriel’s head, which was buried in his shirt, before Haaland steamed into Thomas Partey following the restart. Then, after the final whistle, tensions ran high with the Norwegian involved in several confrontations with the opposition.
Speaking to The Sun, Halsey reviewed the incident with Gabriel, claiming it could have warranted retrospective punishment. The former Premier League official said: “You could argue it’s violent conduct because it’s like he’s throwing an object at someone’s head.