Scandal at CL duel in Madrid
Haaland’s father is thrown out of the VIP box
05/10/2023 11:19 am
Down the field, Erling Haaland battles Antonio Rudiger in the Champions League semi-final first leg between Real Madrid and Manchester City. Up in the stands, Haaland’s father Alf-Inge messes with fans of the royals – and is punished even harder than his son.
The father of soccer star Erling Haaland caused a scandal in the semi-final first leg of the Champions League between Real Madrid and Manchester City (1: 1). During the second half, Alf-Inge Haaland was ushered out of the VIP box by the security guards and their companion. The reason: “Alfie” – as the ex-Dortmunder’s father is called – and his entourage had messed with fans of the home team at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.
Videos show, among other things, how the former professional insults fans with an obscene gesture. Real Madrid supporters can be heard shouting “Fuera, fuera!” (Out, out) and “Tonto, tonto!” (idiot, idiot) chant. The Manchester City striker’s father and a male companion reacted with derogatory and sneering gestures. Some Spanish media assured that Papa Haaland also threw peanuts at fans. Shortly thereafter, he is taken away, probably in order not to let the situation escalate.
Without going into detail, Alf-Inge Haaland admitted the incident. “We had to leave because the RM fans weren’t happy with the 1-1 draw,” the 50-year-old wrote on Twitter the day after. The fans would have reacted when he and his companion celebrated Kevin De Bruyne’s equalizing goal (67th).
Papa Haaland gave a “terrible picture” that contrasted with the sportsmanship “that his son usually shows on the field,” commented the trade journal “Mundo Deportivo”. But Haaland junior, mostly guarded by national player Antonio Rüdiger, also made a weak impression in the first leg. “Rüdiger eats Haaland,” wrote the Spanish newspaper “AS”. According to “Marca”, Haaland was “not present” and only received three out of a possible ten points. His 21 touches and 13 passes were even surpassed by City goalkeeper Ederson.