Erling Haaland will not face any punishment for throwing the ball at Gabriel Magalhães after Manchester City's stoppage-time equaliser against Arsenal, a source has told ESPN.
Haaland was caught on camera launching the ball into the back of the Arsenal defender's head after John Stones scored to make it 2-2 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Referee Michael Oliver did not notice the incident, but it was spotted by video assistant referee John Brooks, who ruled it did not constitute violent conduct. A source told ESPN that the FA is pleased the incident was dealt with at the time and that Haaland will not face retroactive action.
Haaland, who scored to put City 1-0 up early in the match, was involved in a heated exchange with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and striker Gabriel Jesus after the final whistle.
City's players were outraged by what they saw as a waste of time by Arsenal in trying to play the second half with 10 men following the sending off of Leandro Trossard.
“We have to defend ourselves because in every duel, in every free kick that has been given, they have gone to the ground,” said City defender Manuel Akanji. “Players have gone to the ground to get up, they have run again, they have fallen to the ground, one of their team has gone to tell the goalkeeper to get on the ground and things like that.”
“There's nothing we can do about it. In the end, it's the referee who has to control these situations throughout the season. But yes, there's nothing more we can do about it.”
Sky Sports cameras also recorded Haaland involved in an altercation with Jesus after the final whistle after telling Arteta to “stay humble” as the Arsenal boss shook hands with players on the pitch.
“Stay humble, huh? Stay humble, huh?” the Norwegian international told the Arsenal manager, who did not respond. During his heated exchange with Jesus, Haaland twice called the Arsenal striker a “clown”.
Pep Guardiola faces selection problems ahead of his Carabao Cup third-round tie against Watford, with the game scheduled just 48 hours after the draw with Arsenal.
The City boss could field a completely different XI against the Championship side, while Kevin De Bruyne is set to miss out again with a thigh injury.
“I don't think he'll last long,” Guardiola said when asked about De Bruyne's injury.
“I wouldn't say Watford, I don't know Newcastle. [on Saturday].”
