Alfie Haaland, the father of Erling Haaland, a striker for Manchester City, has dismissed the incident that resulted in his removal from his seat at the Bernabeu during Tuesday’s evening match as a harmless joke.
A video circulating on social media revealed Haaland, who is 50 years old, engaged in a verbal altercation with Real Madrid fans while celebrating Kevin De Bruyne’s equalizer goal for City in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.
Ok. RM was not happy we were celebrating KDB goal. Other than than that we had to move because RM fans not happy with 1-1 https://t.co/PWpk6EAPUp
— Alfie Haaland (@alfiehaaland) May 10, 2023
Former Leeds and Manchester City midfielder Haaland cupped his ears in response to taunts from supporters near the executive box before he was guided away from the area by security staff.
Reports in Spain suggested Haaland had thrown food in the direction of home fans, which he denied, saying he had been asked to move to another location close by.
“RM was not happy we were celebrating KDB goal. Other than than that we had to move because RM fans not happy with 1-1,” the Norwegian wrote on Twitter.
Ok. I did not. Not true.We had some good banter with Madrid fans. They were not happy when City scored. Typical. Then we had to move 50 meters away. Nothing more. All happy. Well nearly…😉 https://t.co/tOQPToxEKN
— Alfie Haaland (@alfiehaaland) May 10, 2023
In response to a report he had thrown peanuts at Real Madrid fans, Haaland said: “I did not. Not true.
“We had some good banter with Madrid fans. They were not happy when City scored. Typical. Then we had to move 50 meters away. Nothing more. All happy. Well nearly.”
Erling Haaland has enjoyed a standout first season with City, scoring 51 goals in all competitions.