ERLING HAALAND refused to do a post-match interview following Norway’s 5-1 defeat to Austria – before issuing an apology on social media.
The Manchester City striker led the line in last night’s Nations League clash with captain and Arsenal ace Martin Odegaard still out with an ankle injury.
But, after becoming Norway’s record goal scorer in Thursday’s 3-0 win against Slovenia, Haaland ended up on the receiving end of a rare hammering.
Ex-Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s Austria fired five goals past Norway in a one-sided match, leaving the Man City star distraught.
It was his biggest-ever defeat as a senior player for either club or country.
And after the final whistle, Haaland was in no mood to talk.
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The forward refused to answer questions from Norwegian press in the mixed zone.
But later in the evening, Haaland issued a grovelling apology for his silent treatment.
Posting on Instagram, he said: “Sorry everyone, this was far too bad on my part.
“In November, we go for six points.”
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Despite Haaland’s refusal to answer questions, he was still defended by Norway teammate Sander Berge.
The Fulham star said: “He has every right to do that.
“You can feel the disappointment now. We as a team in there, we stand in ups and downs regardless.
“The most important thing is that we are united, that’s how it is.”
However, Haaland was criticised by compatriot Kristoffer Lokberg, who made seven appearances for Norway’s U18s.
He said: “It’s a shame. If there’s anyone we want to hear from after a violent slump, it’s the captain.
Sorry everyone, this was far too bad on my part.
Erling Haaland
“How was it communicated out here? How do you think after the 3-1 goal?
“Do you gather? What do you do? When you are captain, you have been assigned a role that requires a little extra.
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“Then you should stand up. At the same time, I have great respect for the fact he’s in a special position when it comes to attention and requests.
“I understand he has a strict regime around him in everyday life. But when you have the captain’s armband, he should stand up and say a few words.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
