Roy Keane has suggested that alcohol might have influenced Alf-Inge Haaland's critical view of referee Clement Turpin after England's 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over Norway. The Norwegian former footballer took to social media to vent his frustration, posting "Well done Bellingham and referee" after his country's exit.
Match Overview and Controversial Decision
The Three Lions struggled to break down Norway's defence in a match that lacked fluency. Norway took an early lead when Andreas Schjelderup's mishit cross crept into Jordan Pickford's goal from a wide position. Jude Bellingham equalised before half-time with a composed finish, and secured the win in extra time from close range.
The controversy arose when Norway thought they had regained the lead early in the second half. Torbjorn Heggem pounced on a loose ball at the far post and slotted into the roof of the net. However, VAR and referee Turpin disallowed the goal due to a push by Erling Haaland on Elliot Anderson in the build-up, maintaining the 1-1 scoreline.
Keane's Response and Analysis
Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast, Keane questioned Alf-Inge Haaland's perspective, saying: "Will he remember the game? Because he always seems to be drinking alcohol at the matches, the dad. No, he does! If you're having a drink then you're seeing the game differently." He added: "Listen, I'll always be trying to go the other way [against England] a little bit, if it's 50-50, but the push is a push and then he heads it, so there you go."
Keane also urged perspective, stating: "When people wake up tomorrow morning, you won't be sitting there going, 'The referee's cost us.' You can't. You can argue a couple of decisions but you can't say, 'He's cost us.' No."
Supporting Views from Neville and Wright
Gary Neville echoed Keane's sentiments, saying: "No, I didn't think it was a game where, as an England fan, that I thought we were lucky because of the referee. I thought against Ghana we were lucky, when Ezri Konsa's penalty wasn't given, and that's when you are lucky."
Ian Wright described Alf-Inge's remarks as "sour grapes," adding: "Is that sour grapes from Alf-Inge Haaland, saying well done to Bellingham and the referee? I think that was just a bit of a low blow from him."
Referee Performance and Other Decisions
From a neutral perspective, Turpin's performance appeared balanced. While he disallowed Norway's goal, he also overturned an England penalty that many believed Djed Spence had legitimately won. The full-back drove into the Norway area during extra time and appeared to be fouled by Oscar Bobb. Turpin initially pointed to the spot but reversed his decision, judging that Spence had dragged his leg to manufacture contact.
England's Path Forward
Following their victory, England will face Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 15 at 8pm. Success there would see them meet either France or Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19.
