Haaland criticizes ref Hooper, Guardiola admits he understands players' anger

Erling Haaland faces possible disciplinary action after complaining about referee Simon Hooper on social media following Manchester City's dramatic 3-3 draw with Tottenham on Sunday.

The City striker was incensed after the referee failed to play an advantage in the closing moments of a thrilling Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.

Haaland was fouled but quickly got up and played Jack Grealish through on goal.

Manager Pep Guardiola and his side were furious when Grealish went through alone deep in stoppage time but play was stopped by referee Hooper for a foul on Haaland in the build-up when he had initially allowed the advantage.

Haaland was one of several City players to angrily remonstrate with the official and he continued his protests after the game by reposting a clip of the incident on X, formerly Twitter, with the comment "Wtf".

Referring to Haaland's on-field reaction, Guardiola admitted he could understand the player's anger.

"It's normal," said the City boss. "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. Even the referee, if he played for Man City today, he would be disappointed for that action, that's for sure."

Guardiola refused to blame the decision for his side's failure to win.

"I make mistakes, the players make mistakes," Guardiola said. "It surprised me because when Erling went down if you whistle then it's fine but when he stands up and continues and the ref made the gesture to play on, then after he makes the pass he stops the game."

"After (Haaland) made the pass he stopped the game. I don't want to criticize them. In the touchline sometimes I lose my mind, my gesture was not proper," he said. 

"I would say we didn't draw for that. They are happy, Tottenham for the point. We are less happy but the performance is similar to what we have done lately," Guardiola said. 

(With input from agencies)