'An act of cowardice': Ian Wright criticises Erling Haaland for behaviour against Arsenal but Manchester City star will not face legal action
Ian Wright has criticised Erling Haaland, branding him a “coward” for his behaviour against Arsenal in Sunday's Premier League clash.
After Juan Piedras scored a last-gasp equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw for Manchester CityHaaland took the ball out of the net and He threw it to a devastated Gabriel, who had his face covered by his shirt.
He Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed From Haaland controversial act but decided that it was not necessary to take any action since it did not merit a red card.
It would have been the second red card of the match for the Arsenal striker. Leandro Trossard being sent off for a second caution at the end of the first half.
The Belgian crashed into the rear of the car. Bernardo Silva and kicked the ball away to delay the restart, leaving referee Michael Oliver no option but to show a second yellow card.
It was the second time in three Premier League games that an Arsenal player had been sent off for a similar offence after Declan Rice was shown red against Brighton.
In a video on Instagram, Wright called the decision to expel Trossard for what he did “bloody stupid.”
But Wright saved his anger for Haaland in an explosive speech.
“But you know what really infuriated me? Haaland's cowardly action,” Wright said.
“I saw him well this morning, throwing the ball at Gabi's head when he's not looking, when his back is turned.
“What a cowardly gesture. Gabi would look you in the eyes.
“I see him as a very good defender versus striker for the next few years, I love watching them both, and then you're making a cowardly move like that.
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“No, man, that’s what bothers me the most. I thought you were bigger than that, bro. I thought you were bigger than that.”
Haaland, who scored his 100th Premier League goal in the first half, sparked another brawl immediately after kick-off following Stones' goal.
The 24-year-old attacked as the Gunners passed the ball to the goalkeeper. David Raya and entered by force Thomas Parteywho acted as a blocker.
Arsenal were infuriated but Oliver delivered a stern reprimand to Haaland, only to explode as normal time was running out just seconds later.
Haaland's controversial behaviour continued after the match.
The Norwegian striker told the Gunners boss Mikel Arteta 'stay humble' twice, as the latter stopped and stared at the striker.
Although Arteta was not involved, the Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus He took offense at Haaland's actions and told him to calm down.
But Haaland wasn't done.
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“What were you talking about? I wasn't talking, you fucking clown,” Haaland replied.
Jesus demanded Haaland not to touch him, to which the City star replied: “What are you talking about? Get away, you fucking clown!”
Despite the post-match scenes, the Football Association (FA) confirmed that no retrospective action would be taken.
Manchester City and Arsenal will be looking to put Sunday's draw behind them as they meet in midweek. Carabao Cup action.
The city welcomes the championship team Watford at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, while Arsenal face League One side Bolton on Wednesday.
