Audio from Erling Haaland's meltdown during the match against Tottenham has been released, shedding light on the incident that caused controversy on the pitch. The Manchester City striker reacted furiously after referee Simon Hooper denied his team a chance to win the game. In the latest installment of Match Officials Mic'd Up, PGMOL chief Howard Webb explains the decision and the human error that led to the play being stopped.

Haaland's Meltdown and the Controversial Decision

During the closing stages of the 3-3 draw on December 3, Erling Haaland sent Jack Grealish through on goal after being fouled by Emerson Royal. However, referee Simon Hooper blew his whistle to pull the game back after initially waving play on. This decision prompted an angry reaction from the City players, with Haaland confronting the official and launching into an X-rated rant as he left the pitch at full-time. Now, the audio from the incident has been released, providing insight into the heated exchange.

Webb Explains the Officiating Mistake

Howard Webb, PGMOL chief, reviewed the incident on Match Officials Mic'd Up and shed light on the decision made by Simon Hooper. Webb attributes the play stoppage to human error, stating that Hooper hesitated to see if an advantage was possible after recognizing the foul. Webb acknowledges that Hooper made a mistake by penalizing the foul at the moment when a wonderful advantage was available. He emphasizes that Hooper refereed the game well but acknowledges the disappointment felt by Manchester City due to the missed opportunity.

Haaland's Criticism and City's Charge

Following the match, Erling Haaland criticized the officials' performance on social media, risking disciplinary action from the FA. While Haaland faced no further action for his post-match rage, Manchester City was charged with failing to control their players. The controversy surrounding the incident and the subsequent reactions from both Haaland and the team have added fuel to the ongoing debate about officiating in football.