Pep Guardiola recalls 2016 incident in rant over Gabriel headbutt attempt on Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland delivers classy response to Gabriel headbutt controversy in Manchester City win over Arsenal

The fallout has reignited a debate over ‘play-acting’ in the game, with Erling Haaland praised by his manager for staying on his feet.

The result, which saw goals from Rayan Cherki and Haaland cancel out Kai Havertz’s fluke equaliser, left City in the driver’s seat for the Premier League title – taking top spot from the Gunners in Wednesday night’s 0-1 win at Burnley.

“Big Artist”: Guardiola cites Nolito and Rodri red cards

Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, Pep Guardiola issued a passionate rant on Gabriel’s attempted headbutt on Erling Haaland.

“I would not play that game right now,” said Guardiola. “I don’t have much sympathy for the referees’ world in this country so what am I going to say? I know Erling has behaved as he did.”

The Manchester City manager continued, “I know my experience with Nolito in the first season [2016/17] and I remember perfectly Rodri with Morgan Gibbs-White and Nottingham Forest. Both had three-game bans because the other player was a big artist.

“Erling has not done it. But this is a decision for the referees. I’m really pleased I get another yellow card [for my team]!”

Pundits have since been calling for Erling Haaland to show ‘more play-acting’ in such scenarios, on which Guardiola responded, “That’s nice! Referees still believe Jeremy Doku is a diving player, when there’s no less diving player in the planet.

“Every time they believe he’s diving. Now the pundits encourage to do that! Erling behaved like he is: an extraordinary player. I’m really proud what Erling has done.”

Guardiola’s disciplinary tightrope

Pep Guardiola’s own booking for his protests during the Gabriel incident brings significant risk for the remainder of the campaign, having now accumulated seven yellow cards, and placing him just two bookings away from a three-game touchline ban.

As Manchester City prepare for their FA Cup semi-final against Southampton on Saturday evening, the narrative will no doubt remain fixated on the Catalan’s hopes of securing more major silverware at the Etihad Stadium.

Having claimed the Carabao Cup earlier this year, Manchester City continue to have a clear opportunity at a domestic Treble, with the FA Cup and Premier League well within their grasps in the final weeks of the campaign.