English Football Association (FA) has charged Premier League side Manchester City for failing to conduct players’ behaviour during the game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (Dec. 3). City striker Erling Haaland, however, escaped punishment for responding with ‘WTF‘ to a clip from the game on social media platform X.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Haaland responded to the clip which showed referee Simon Harper stopping the game four minutes into stoppage time when City had a chance to win the 3-3 stalemate. The referee’s decision was protested by City players as Haaland was fouled about a minute before that but didn’t get it as he got up on his feet and continued with the game.

It has been reported by ESPN, citing FA sources, that Haaland wasn’t in breach of the rules on covering media comments and social media activity.

ALSO READ | Al Hilal finishes on top of Asian Champions League group stage

The team, however, has been found in breach of FA Rule E20.1 which pertains to the conduct of the players. The association issued a statement and has given two days to City to respond to the charge.

“Manchester City have been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 after their players surrounded the match official during the Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 3 December 2023.

“It’s alleged that, during the 94th minute of the fixture, the club failed to ensure their players do not behave in a way which is improper.

“Manchester City have until Thursday 7 December 2023 to respond to the charge,” read the FA statement.

City manager Pep Guardiola, however, had defended Haaland’s reaction post-game and had said: “It’s normal. His reaction was the same for 10 players. The rules are you cannot talk with the referees or fourth officials, so we should have had 10 players sent off today. He’s a little bit disappointed.”

With the draw, City slipped to the third place on the points table with 30 points in 14 games. City have won nine games from 14 played and have played three draws as well while losing only two.

You can now write for Baazigarnews.com and be a part of the Baazigar family. Share your stories and opinions with us here.