Haaland’s father erupts after Norway’s exit. Referees better stay out of sight
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
Haaland senior had no intention of quietly accepting Norway’s elimination.
Details: The Norwegian national team ended their 2026 World Cup campaign, falling to England in the quarter-finals with a 1-2 loss. Jude Bellingham bagged a brace, sealing the winner in extra time.
After the final whistle, Alf-Inge Haaland, father of Norway striker Erling Haaland, delivered a scathing and sarcastic comment on the match outcome:
“Well done, Bellingham and the REFEREE!”
With this remark, Haaland senior made it clear he considered the referee’s performance a decisive factor in Norway’s defeat.
The main controversy came before one of Bellingham’s goals. Many fans and pundits argued that after a clearance by Norway’s keeper Ørjan Nyland, the ball struck a cable suspended above the stadium, but play was not stopped. FIFA later stated that the sensor embedded in the ball did not register any contact.
It’s worth noting that Bellingham has already scored six goals at this World Cup. Real Madrid players have netted a combined 19 times in the tournament, setting a new record for the most goals by players from a single club at the competition.
Reminder: Scandal at the World Cup. FIFA explains why the referee allowed Bellingham's controversial goal against Norway.
