Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has claimed referee Simon Hooper would have been “disappointed” if he played for the Premier League champions in the 3-3 draw against Tottenham on Sunday.
Hooper controversially stopped a City attack for a foul on Erling Haaland, with Jack Grealish through on goal.
His decision drew furious reactions from Haaland and his teammates, who saw it as a chance to go 4-3 late in the match.
After the game, Haaland could be seen fuming as he made his way to the dressing room.
When asked about the Norwegian’s reaction, Guardiola said: “It’s normal. If the referee played for Man City today, he would have been disappointed too.”
