Erling Haaland’s father, Alfie, caused a stir during Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg between Real Madrid and Manchester City at the Bernabeu. Madrid fans filmed Alfie being escorted out of a corporate box by security after clashing with the home fans sat below him. The footage, which has gone viral on social media, shows Alfie arguing with a Madrid fan in the box as supporters below chant ‘Adios!’. One of Alfie’s companions can be seen waving to the crowd before Haaland himself does an ironic double arm wave with a broad grin across his face. He then twice cups his ears to the baying crowd – who are chanting for him to leave – before security arrive and escort him out of the box. According to Spanish journalist Inaki Angulo, Alfie had been insulting the Madrid fans during the match and allegedly even throwing food – namely, peanuts – down at the people sat below him. Another video of Haaland senior, this time taken at half-time as the players made their way down to the tunnel for the restart, shows the former Norway international pointing at one fan in particular before making what appears to be an offensive gesture with his arms.
The incident overshadowed an evenly contested semi-final first-leg showdown between Real Madrid and Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession in the early stages of the game but they were undone by a wonderful goal from Vinicius Junior with what was Real’s only shot of the first half. The hosts grew into the contest in the second period but another stunning strike – this time from the boot of Kevin De Bruyne – ensured the spoils were shared before next week’s second leg in Manchester. Erling Haaland had a rather quiet night and was well marshalled by Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, but his father Alfie had a considerably more eventful evening. Tuesday represented a rare barren night for Erling in front of goal, with the 22-year-old striker having netted 51 goals in an astonishing season so far, but he was blunted at the Bernabeu.