Haaland jokes he sees camera crew more than his partner after City's 3-0 win at Anfield

Erling Haaland capped Manchester City’s 3-0 Premier League win at Anfield with a moment of off-pitch humour, telling a pitch-side camera operator that their constant presence means he sees them more than his own partner.

The exchange began when the camera operator congratulated Haaland on his goal — the opener in City’s commanding victory. Recognising the same person from previous encounters, the Norwegian striker smiled and said: “You are everywhere, you.” When the operator confirmed as much, Haaland added: “I see you more than my missus, I do.” He walked away grinning before greeting several City staff members, including backup goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli and set-piece coach James French, on his way to the tunnel.

Haaland, 26, is in a long-term relationship with former footballer Isabel Haugseng Johansen. The couple have a son together who will turn two in December.

On the pitch, Haaland’s goal came three minutes after referee Chris Kavanagh sent off Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch, helping City take control of the match and ultimately seal a 3-0 away win.

The result arrives at a turbulent moment for the club. An independent commission has found Manchester City guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules across a nine-season period between 2009/10 and 2017/18. City have lodged a comprehensive appeal, which will be heard by an appeal board chaired by Sir Gary Hickinbottom.

The verdict has prompted discussion among football executives about the club’s standing in the division. According to The Independent, some executives have been messaging each other about the possibility of suspending City from the Premier League, with one quoted as saying: “This is a farce that will lead to protest, damage to the integrity and reputation of the competition, and possibly even violence. The board has a duty at law to its shareholders to protect, enhance and promote the interests of the Premier League.”

Premier League Rule 6B allows the league to expel a club from membership upon a special resolution, which would require a majority of at least three-quarters of its 20 member clubs — a minimum of 15 — to pass.