Erling Haaland criticized for behavior following Norway’s embarrassing 5-1 loss to Austria.

Manchester City star Erling Haaland has been criticised for his post-match reaction after captaining Norway to a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Austria. With the usual skipper Martin Odegaard unavailable after sustaining an injury during the previous international break, the armband was handed to the former Borussia Dortmund man in his place.

However, Haaland’s performance on the pitch did little to inspire the Lions, with ex-Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick leading his Austria side to an emphatic three points in the Nations League clash. After the game, the 24-year-old goal machine was scheduled to meet with the media, but his actions led to widespread criticism and forced the global star to respond on social media.

Following the end of what was already an embarrassing night for Haaland and co, the striker found himself in even more hot water after refusing to speak to the national media to address the poor showing. Footage shows the striker walking straight past reporters and exiting the stadium without saying a word, a duty that is customary for a captain.

This led to several negative responses online, the most prominent being from former Norwegian striker Rune Bratseth, who, per talkSPORT, stated:

“[It is] Normal procedure is for the captain to stand tall and answer for such downfalls. It is precisely on days like this that you have to stand there and answer. It’s just the way it is, and especially when things don’t go well.”

Furthermore, when more of the national press sought answers from the forward at Linz Airport, Haaland once again refused to talk. The criticism towards him eventually reached the vice-captain, prompting him to take to social media to apologise for not addressing the result. “Sorry everyone, this was far too bad on my part. In November, we go for six points,” Haaland wrote on his Instagr

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