Minutes after coming off from a star performance at the Etihad Stadium, hat-trick hero Erling Haaland ran into Man City security in a clash that made for awkward viewing
Etihad Stadium security got into a tussle with Man City star Erling Haaland after his latest star display
Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland didn’t exactly get a guard of honour after earning the match ball in Saturday’s 5-1 hammering of Fulham.
In fact, far from receiving the hero’s welcome one might expect after bagging their fifth Premier League hat-trick, the goal machine was manhandled stage-left to fulfil his media duties after the match. Despite being an icon-in-the-making in Manchester, even Haaland isn’t above his obligations as one of the biggest stars in the sport.
And security at the Etihad Stadium had no issue reminding the Norwegian of his commitments as he attempted to head straight for the dressing room. That’s after footage emerged showing two men in black barging Pep Guardiola’s man mountain off-camera.
One suited guard can be seen pointing Haaland to the side as he walked down the tunnel. However, that wasn’t enough to deter the blonde brute as both men held their course, with Ruben Dias giving his team-mate an encouraging slap on the rear as he went.
The result is a clattering one might expect to see unfold in foreign territory, rather than dealing with the home side’s most valuable asset. That being said, one has to admire the commitment of anyone willing to get in Haaland’s path.
It eventually takes two members of security to steer the striker to his destination as he clutched the match ball close. City head into the international break two points clear at the head of the Premier League, while Haaland also has some daylight in the race to retain his Golden Boot, boasting six goals after only four games.
Etihad security attempted a non-physical approach at first
However, Haaland paid little attention to the prompt
That’s two more than any other player in the division, with Evan Ferguson and Bryan Mbeumo each tied on four apiece. While Haaland was grabbing his fifth in England’s top flight, Brighton frontman Ferguson notched his maiden Premier League hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over Newcastle.
Tottenham talisman Son Heung-min was also at the treble as Tottenham tinkered their way to a 5-2 win over Burnley at Turf Moor. Questions were asked of how Spurs would produce goals following the exit of Harry Kane, but Son’s strikes have lifted Ange Postecoglou’s side level with City on 11 goals thus far, sat second in the table ahead of the Premier League pause.
The striker tried his best to head straight for the dressing room
Security eventually won the battle
It speaks volumes of Haaland’s rare scoring talents that while Son – who arrived in England in 2015 – was netting his fourth Premier League hat-trick, the ‘Viking’ has already eclipsed that tally after barely 12 months. Not that it’s enough to earn him exemption from post-match interview duties.
Haaland will look to keep his scoring form alive as Norway face Jordan in a friendly on Thursday before taking on Georgia in Euro 2024 qualifying (Sept. 12). And Guardiola may hope his national team’s security detail handle the hitman with a little more care while he’s away
