Premier League Champions Manchester City have been hammered with a fine of £120,000 ($150,000) following the action of their players in the 3-3 draw against Tottenham. Top players including goal machine Erling Haaland practically mobbed the referee over a contentious no call late in the match. While Haaland was spared any punishment the club was not that lucky.
The incident happened during the EPL fixture with North London side Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium on December 3 during stoppage time.
Haaland was hauled down by Spurs’ Emerson Royal, stopping a possible Man City attack, but referee Simon Hooper decided not to give the EPL champions the advantage.
However, handing the champions the fine on Monday, the FA detailed that the fine was imposed after a hearing by an independent regulatory commission.
“Manchester City FC have been fined £120,000 after their players surrounded a match official at the Premier League game against Tottenham.
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“An independent regulatory commission imposed this sanction following a hearing.
“Haaland and teammates surrounded the referee because he failed to play advantage for a potential scoring chance,” the English FA said.
As soon as the tie ended, Haaland, who was evidently unhappy with the officiating, continued to complain after the game.
However, the Norwegian striker didn’t face additional punishment for his conduct. Man City admitted responsibility for failing “to ensure players did not behave inappropriately.”
Even though City was upset at the crucial call, manager Pep Guardiola refrained from publicly criticizing the referee following the game.
