Alf-Inge Haaland was caught making an obscene gesture to fans on the big screen after a controversial VAR decision, as Jude Bellingham scored twice to fire England to 2-1
Erling Haaland’s father produced a dramatic gesture towards supporters when captured on the big screen during the closing stages of Norway’s defeat to England.
On Saturday in Miami, England relied on strikes from Jude Bellingham to clinch a 2-1 victory over Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals. Norway opened the scoring through Andreas Schjelderup, who unleashed a finish that sailed past Jordan Pickford and struck the far post before nestling in the net to hand the Scandinavians the advantage.
However, the Three Lions drew level when Bellingham embarked on a brilliant individual run before slotting beyond Orjan Nyland. Then, three minutes into extra time, the midfielder grabbed his second after Nyland spilled Elliot Anderson’s effort into his path.
In the end, Norway – and Haaland – fell short. The sensation, who had entered the quarter-final with seven goals across four matches, toiled against England’s backline and was surprisingly substituted during extra time.
Late in the first period of extra time, England substitute Djed Spence cut across his marker and seemed to earn a spot-kick as he initiated contact with the defender. Initially, referee Clement Turpin awarded the penalty, reports the Mirror US.
Nevertheless, following a VAR check, it was ruled that Spence had instigated the contact, leading to the decision being reversed. When the camera focused on Alf-Inge Haaland in the stands, he signalled that it was simulation from Spence before gesturing towards the supporters.
The 53-year-old displayed two fingers with the backs of his hands facing outward, a gesture considered to be obscene. The action holds the same offensive significance as showing someone the middle finger, and Haaland Sr. could be seen mouthing to tell the fans to “f— off.”
Alf-Inge Haaland didn’t stop there. After the final whistle blew and Norway’s fate was confirmed, he took to social media to post: “Well done Bellingham and referee.”
He was likely alluding to the VAR decision that nullified a potential lead-taking goal for Norway.
Early in the second half, Norway seemed to take the lead when a corner was knocked down to Alexander Sorloth, whose attempt was saved by Jordan Pickford.
However, the goalkeeper deflected the ball straight to Torbjorn Heggem, who scrambled it into the net.
Nonetheless, Erling Haaland used both arms to push Anderson, trying to make room. It was a foul, and after the referee consulted the monitor, VAR disallowed the goal – and England went on to secure the victory.
England now progress to the semi-final, where they will face either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15.