ERLING HAALAND was SLAPPED in the face by the referee at half-time in Manchester City’s thriller with Real Madrid.
The striker was left fuming with French official Francois Letexier during Tuesday’s thrilling 3-3 draw in Spain.
Letexier accidentally caught Haaland in the face with the back of his hand as he walked off the pitch.
The incident occurred after the half-time whistle at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Haaland threw his hands up in the air in response as he turned around to look at the referee, who put his hands on him to apologise and check if he was ok.
Letexier had been gesturing while he dealt with protests from Real Madrid full-back Dani Carvajal.
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Fans were quick to react to the incident on social media, with one commenting: “The referee slaps Haaland to see if he wakes up in the second half.”
Another added: “Ref couldn’t see him as he ghosted all half.”
A third supporter also joked: “Wake up call from the referee.”
Meanwhile, one more wrote: “He didn’t see Haaland was on the pitch.”
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Haaland had endured a difficult first half in the Spanish capital as he managed just four passes.
He was also only able to muster a single shot on goal, which was saved by Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
Despite Haaland’s struggles, City took an early lead on Tuesday night through Bernardo Silva’s freak goal.
However, two goals in two minutes from the hosts completed a dramatic first half turnaround.
An own goal from Ruben Dias levelled the score before Rodrygo put Los Blancos in front.
Phil Foden pulled the treble winners level after the break, though, with a stunning strike from outside the box.
City then completed their own turnaround as Josko Gvardiol restored their advantage.
That lead lasted just eight minutes before Federico Valverde made it 3-3 to leave the tie in the balance going into the second leg.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
