Haaland accuses Rosario of grabbing his bum in Man City's heated win at Porto
Erling Haaland claimed Pablo Rosario grabbed his bottom during Manchester City's tense 2-0 Champions League win at the Estadio do Dragao. The incident happened in stoppage time, shortly after the Norwegian striker scored his second goal of the night. The match also featured a tunnel bust-up at half-time and several controversial calls that UEFA will now review.
Erling Haaland accused Porto midfielder Pablo Rosario of grabbing his bum during Manchester City's tense 2-0 victory at the Estadio do Dragao in the Champions League league phase. The flashpoint came in stoppage time, right after the Norwegian striker scored his second goal of the night and put the result beyond doubt.
- Haaland said Rosario grabbed his bottom while trying to stop him from completing a hat-trick.
- Tempers had been boiling since half-time, with pushing and shoving in the tunnel.
- Porto were furious that Marc Guehi escaped a red card for striking Gabri Veiga in the head.
- UEFA will review the referee and match delegate reports before deciding on action.
- Haaland has scored five goals in his last three appearances, three of them headers.
The Rosario incident that sparked a late flashpoint in Porto
The closing stages ignited when Rosario fouled Haaland as the striker pushed for a third goal. The challenge triggered a scuffle that earned the City forward a yellow card, but Haaland later suggested there had been far more to the exchange than a simple foul.
I was really keen on a hat-trick and it seemed like he was very eager to stop me from getting it. It was a little interesting, that. You'll be seeing a picture where he's grabbing my bottom. It'll be interesting to see that picture.
Haaland made no secret of how strange he found the Dutch midfielder's approach in a match that had already been simmering since the interval. With the 2-0 lead secured, the incident stood out as the most bizarre moment of a feisty European night.
The tunnel bust-up and Porto's anger over Marc Guehi
Tensions had risen long before the late clash. Shortly before half-time, Marc Guehi caught Gabri Veiga in the head with his arm during an aerial challenge and stayed on the pitch, a decision that enraged Porto's players and bench. The home side surrounded the officials and their opponents, and the atmosphere did not cool down by the time the teams left the field.
Reports described pushing and shoving in the tunnel, with security staff forced to intervene. Footage also appeared to show City captain Ruben Dias placing his hand on Porto head coach Francesco Farioli's chest near the tunnel entrance.
Farioli insists the game would have changed with ten men
The Italian coach made no attempt to hide his frustration with the officiating. Farioli argued that Guehi's challenge deserved a straight red card and that Josko Gvardiol should also have been sent off after receiving a first yellow.
The footage of the foul on Gabri Veiga is very clear and Gvardiol should also have been shown a second yellow card. He behaved in an unsporting manner when he was already on a yellow. At this level, and playing against ten men for an entire second half, things could have been different.
Gabri Veiga took a more measured approach when discussing Polish referee Szymon Marciniak. The Spanish midfielder said he respects the official and accepts that everyone makes mistakes, while noting that the blow had left him bleeding.
Haaland silences Porto with two goals and credits his heading work
Haaland put the half-time friction aside and opened the scoring just two minutes after the restart with a header. Porto responded with spirit and created several clear chances, but the Norwegian struck again to make it 2-0 and end any hope of a comeback.
The brace takes Haaland to five goals in his last three appearances, three of them with his head. The striker put his aerial improvement down to extra drills with his father Alf-Inge, the former City and Leeds midfielder.
Over the years, I've worked a lot on my heading. I've improved it massively and it's become a strength of my game. Actually, two days ago I was practising headers with my dad in the garden!
What action could UEFA take after the incidents in Porto?
UEFA will assess reports from referee Szymon Marciniak and match delegate Stephanie Ford before deciding whether to open formal disciplinary proceedings. If action is pursued, Manchester City could face a financial penalty over the tunnel altercations.
The match was part of the Champions League's new league-phase format, which has replaced the traditional group stage this season. The win strengthens Pep Guardiola's side in their push for the knockout rounds, while Porto are left feeling that key refereeing decisions shaped a contest they had managed to keep alive.
Frequently asked questions
What happened between Haaland and Rosario in the Man City vs Porto match?
Haaland accused Pablo Rosario of grabbing his bum during a foul in stoppage time, just after the Norwegian scored his second goal. The exchange led to a scuffle and a yellow card for the City striker.
Why were Porto so upset with the referee?
Porto believed Marc Guehi should have been sent off for striking Gabri Veiga in the head with his arm and that Gvardiol deserved a second yellow card. The club felt those decisions changed the course of the game.
How many goals has Haaland scored in his recent Champions League matches?
Haaland has scored five goals in his last three appearances, including three headers. He netted twice against Porto to secure a 2-0 victory for Manchester City.