Alfie Haaland, the former Leeds United and Manchester City full-back and father of Erling Haaland, has criticised the referee after England’s 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in the World Cup quarter-final. The Three Lions came from behind to secure a semi-final berth against Argentina, with Jude Bellingham scoring a brace — the equaliser just before half-time and the winner in extra time.
Haaland’s father voices anger at officiating
Alfie Haaland was seen making a diving gesture and mouthing an expletive towards England supporters after a penalty decision was overturned for England in extra time. After the match, he posted on social media: “Well done Bellingham and referee.” In a subsequent post, he added: “Saved bye [sic] the referee. Hope you win the WC now. But feel we got robbed today.”
The match featured several controversial decisions. Norway’s coaching staff argued that the ball hit a cable before Bellingham’s equaliser. Norway also had a goal disallowed after a VAR review ruled that Erling Haaland fouled Elliot Anderson during a corner. Additionally, England had a penalty overturned following a challenge on Djed Spence.
Norway players also criticise referee
Winger Andreas Schjelderup said: “Unfortunately, the margins were against us, the odds were against us. Some decisions by the referee were a bit bitter. If we lost fully it would have been a bit different.” Captain Martin Odegaard echoed those sentiments, claiming Norway “didn’t get much help from the referee. The margins went against us and we had a bit of bad luck.”
England will face Argentina in the semi-final on Wednesday at 8pm. Argentina advanced after a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland.
