Erling Haaland has brushed off Arsenal’s objections following an incident where he threw a ball at Gabriel during Manchester City’s 2-2 tie with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium last month.
Haaland found himself in the middle of a heated confrontation right after the match when he threw the ball at Gabriel’s head, just moments after John Stones scored a stoppage-time equaliser to secure a draw for Pep Guardiola’s team.
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When asked about the incident in a press conference with Norway’s national team on Wednesday, Haaland said: ‘It was in the heat of the match and a bit of everything happened in that match.
‘What happens on the football pitch, happens on the football pitch. That’s the way it is. I don’t regret anything in life.’
Speaking after the match, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright blasted Haaland for his conduct.
‘The one thing that boiled me up properly was Haaland’s coward’s move,’ Wright said.
‘Throwing the ball at Gabi’s head when he’s not looking. When Gabi’s back’s turned to him. Real coward’s move. Gabi would look him in the eye, you know.
‘That’s what bothered me more than anything else. I thought you [Haaland] were bigger than that.’
With Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard sidelined due to injury, Erling Haaland is expected to captain Norway during the upcoming international matches.
Norway will face Slovenia in the Nations League on Thursday, followed by a trip to play Austria on Sunday.
When asked how he will lead the team in Odegaard’s absence, Haaland said: ‘Like when I’m not captain.
‘You should not try to be anyone other than yourself, the same goes for everyone in this world. I think it’s important to be yourself.’
