Erling Haaland escaped punishment from the FA over his reaction to referee Simon Hooper’s decision to stop play during Manchester City’s 3-3 draw against Tottenham on Sunday, but the Premier League champions were accused of failing to control the behavior of their players. .
City striker Haaland responded to a video of the X of Hooper’s decision not to allow Jack Grealish to race on a through ball in the fourth minute of stoppage time at the end of the match, with the Norway international writing “Wtf”.
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However, FA sources told ESPN that Haaland’s post did not violate rules relating to regulations covering media comments and social media activities.
Haaland, the Premier League’s top scorer this season, also avoided blame for angrily confronting Hooper on the pitch after the referee’s decision to blow the whistle when Grealish received the ball.
The incident involving Haaland and Hooper is pivotal in accusing City of breaching FA Rule E20.1 regarding the conduct of their players.
Haaland led a group of players, including Ruben Dias and Mateo Kovacic, who surrounded Hooper to protest the decision.
The FA said in a statement: “Manchester City has been charged with violating FA Rule E20.1 after its players surrounded the match referee during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, December 3, 2023.”
“It is alleged that during the 94th minute of the match, the club failed to ensure that its players did not behave inappropriately.
“Manchester City has until Thursday, December 7, 2023, to respond to the accusation.”
Sources told ESPN that no further charges will be filed against players or coaching staff on either side.
