Erling Haaland accuses Porto player of grabbing his bum during heated confrontation

Erling Haaland alleged that Porto ’s Pablo Rosario grabbed his bottom during Manchester City ’s heated Champions League victory at the Estadio do Dragao on Tuesday. The two players were involved in a tense exchange during stoppage time of a tumultuous match, following an earlier confrontation in the tunnel at half-time. The dispute occurred shortly after the 26-year-old Norway striker scored his second goal of the league-phase fixture to secure a 2-0 win. Haaland was fouled by Rosario, prompting a further scuffle that resulted in a yellow card for the forward. However, he suggested there was more to the incident. Speaking to Norway’s TV2, he said: "I was really keen on a hat-trick and it seemed like he (Rosario) 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." Haaland shows his disappointment after being booked (PA Wire) City are awaiting confirmation on whether tournament organisers Uefa will take disciplinary action after several flashpoints, the most serious occurring as players departed the pitch at the break. Porto were left aggrieved that City’s Marc Guehi avoided a red card after striking Gabri Veiga in the head with his arm during an aerial challenge late in the first half. An immediate altercation ensued on the field as Porto players vented their frustration to officials and opponents, with tempers failing to subside by the interval. Tensions spilled over as the teams left the pitch, with reports of pushing and shoving in the tunnel requiring security personnel to step in. 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 proceedings. City could face a financial penalty if action is pursued. While City were worthy winners, Farioli argued the outcome could have been different had the opposition been reduced to 10 men. He said: "The footage of the foul on Gabri Veiga is very clear and (Josko) Gvardiol should also have been shown a second yellow card. He behaved in an unsporting manner when he was already on a yellow. "At this level, and playing against 10 men for an entire second half… things could have been different." Veiga added: "He (Marciniak) is a world-class referee and I respect him, but when an opponent leads with his elbow and then there is blood, there is not much to say. We all make mistakes." Tuesday’s match was a fiery encounter (PA Wire) Haaland brushed aside the half-time friction to put City ahead with a 47th-minute header. Porto offered a spirited response and crafted several clear opportunities before Haaland ultimately put the result beyond doubt. The Norwegian striker has now scored five goals in his last three appearances, three of them headers. He attributed his aerial form to extra drills with his father Alf-Inge, the former City and Leeds midfielder. He said: "Over the years, I’ve worked a lot on my heading. I’ve improved it massively and it’s become a strength of my game. "Actually, two days ago I was practising headers with my dad in the garden!"