Erling Haaland accuses Porto player of trying to grab him during Champions League clash

Erling Haaland has alleged that Porto’s Pablo Rosario tried to grab him during Manchester City’s 2-0 victory at Estadio do Dragao in the opening round of the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Manchester City striker, who scored both goals, became involved in a confrontation with Rosario during the second half. Both players were shown yellow cards following the incident.

According to The Telegraph, Haaland claimed after the match that the Porto defender had attempted to grab his backside during their exchange.

“I was really eager to score a hat-trick, and it seemed he was very keen to stop me from doing that,” Haaland told Norwegian television.

“It was a little bit interesting. You will see a picture of him grabbing my backside. It will be interesting to see that picture.”

The confrontation followed a verbal disagreement between the two players and members of the coaching staff in the tunnel at half-time. As the players made their way towards the dressing rooms, Porto officials followed the referee into the tunnel after becoming unhappy with Manchester City substitute goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

Uefa’s disciplinary body will assess the incident and review the reports submitted by match delegate Stephanie Ford and referee Szymon Marciniak. Either player could face a fine if it is established that punches were exchanged during the confrontation.

Haaland’s opening goal against Porto was his third headed goal in four matches since he shaved off his long hair. The Norway international said he had also been practising heading in his back garden with his father, Alf-Inge, the former Manchester City midfielder.

“I have worked a lot on my heading over the years,” Haaland said. “I have developed it significantly and it has become a strength in my game. I think a lot of it comes from experience.

“Actually, two days ago I was practising headers with my dad in the garden.”

Haaland also admitted that finding time to rest was difficult because of the demands of the football schedule.

“I don’t know anything about rest. I have no idea,” he said. “It is not easy to get any rest in this business. During the international break, we play four matches in 10 or 11 days, so it is not easy.

“But you have to try to find a few days here and there to give your mind a break. It is not easy, but you just have to try.”