According to authoritative publication ESPN, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland will not be punished for throwing the ball at the head of Arsenal center-back Gabriel Magalhas. This incident occurred in the 90+8th minute of the Premier League 5th round match, which ended in a 2-2 draw after Haaland's team scored a second goal.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who headed the ball past Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhas after his team's second goal in the 5th round of the EPL (2:2) in the 90+8th minute, will not be punished. ESPN.
The incident was reviewed by VAR but no foul was found. The decision sparked debate among fans and analysts about how players behave in high-pressure situations.
Haaland's antics continued after the final whistle when he playfully slapped Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on the back and said: "Hey you, take it easy!" The exchange was interpreted differently: some saw it as friendly, others as arrogant.
Significantly, Haaland scored his 100th goal for Manchester City during the match, underlining his impact in the Premier League. The Magalhaes incident raises questions about how similar situations will be handled in the future, particularly in relation to player accountability and the role of technology in monitoring behaviour.
As Manchester City look to succeed domestically and internationally, Haaland's focus and discipline will be crucial. While he managed to escape punishment this time, the incident is a reminder of the complexity of professional football and the intense scrutiny players face.
