The Football Association (FA) has charged Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City for failing to control their players during the extra period of Sunday’s Premier League game against Tottenham.
The incident began when referee Simon Hooper blew for a Man City free-kick when Jack Grealish had a clear-cut goal opening during added time of the second half. The City player who had played the pass, Erling Haaland, was left in a rage and began screaming at Hooper as other City players gathered around him.
An FA statement read: “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.”
In fact, Erling Haaland took to social media after the match to be even more emphatic about his anger at the decision. The Premier League champions have until 7 December to respond.
Despite twice taking the lead at the Etihad, City were held to a 3-3 draw by Spurs. Dejan Kulusevski’s goal in the 90th minute saw City miss out on a chance to close the gap on leaders Arsenal.
The result is that Guardiola’s side are now third in the league, three points behind leaders Arsenal and one behind second-place Liverpool. While those in charge at the Etihad ponder whether or not to appeal the allegations, the players must focus on Wednesday night’s game.
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City travel to Villa Park to take on a rampant Aston Villa side who are at fourth place in the league table thanks to some fantastic managerial decisions by Unai Emery.