Haaland accuses Porto's Rosario of grabbing his bottom after sealing City's 2-0 Champions League win

Erling Haaland alleged that Porto midfielder Pablo Rosario grabbed his bottom during a heated stoppage-time exchange at the Estadio do Dragao on Tuesday, moments after the Norwegian striker had secured Manchester City’s 2-0 Champions League win.

Haaland had just scored his second goal of the league-phase fixture when Rosario fouled him, sparking a scuffle that earned the City forward a yellow card. But Haaland suggested the incident went further than the booking implied.

Speaking to Norway’s TV2, he said: “I was really keen on a hat-trick and it seemed like he was very eager to stop me from getting it. It was a little interesting, that. You’ll be seeing a picture where he’s grabbing my bottom. It’ll be interesting to see that picture.”

The stoppage-time flashpoint was not the only flashpoint of a tumultuous evening. The most serious incident occurred as players left the pitch at half-time, following an aerial challenge in which City’s Marc Guehi struck Porto’s Gabri Veiga in the head with his arm without receiving a red card. Porto players vented their frustration to officials and opponents on the field before tempers carried over into the tunnel, where reports of pushing and shoving required security personnel to intervene. Footage also appeared to show City captain Ruben Dias placing his hand on Porto coach Francesco Farioli’s chest near the tunnel entrance.

UEFA will review reports from referee Szymon Marciniak and match delegate Stephanie Ford before deciding whether to open formal disciplinary proceedings. Manchester City could face a financial penalty if action is pursued.

Farioli was unsparing in his criticism of the officiating, arguing the result could have looked very different. “The footage of the foul on Gabri Veiga is very clear and Gvardiol should also have been shown a second yellow card,” he said. “At this level, and playing against 10 men for an entire second half, things could have been different.”

Veiga echoed his manager’s frustration. “He is a world-class referee and I respect him, but when an opponent leads with his elbow and there is blood, there is not much to say. We all make mistakes.”

On the pitch, City were worthy winners. Haaland brushed aside the half-time friction to head City in front in the 47th minute, and Porto’s spirited second-half response — which produced several clear chances — ultimately came to nothing as the striker added his second to put the result beyond doubt.