Keane and Haaland's Father Reignite Decades-Old Feud Over VAR Controversy

Hupu Football News — July 12 — After England defeated Norway, Erling Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, once again clashed with former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, reigniting a nearly 30-year feud.

During this World Cup, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been accompanied by his father. Alf-Inge Haaland, who played for Premier League clubs including Manchester City and Leeds United during his career, expressed his dissatisfaction during and after England's match against Norway.

After the match, the elder Haaland posted on X, congratulating "Bellingham and the referee," and claiming that Norway was "robbed" by French referee Turpin. During the game, a potential equalizer for Norway to make it 2-2 was disallowed after VAR intervention, as Haaland was judged to have fouled Elliott Anderson before the goal.

Keane's Response

In response, Keane said on the show Stick to Football that alcohol may have affected the elder Haaland's judgment of the game, because "he always seems to be drinking while watching the game." Keane added, "If you've been drinking, you see the game differently."

This remark reignited the old feud between Keane and the elder Haaland. Their conflict dates back to 1997, when Keane tore his anterior cruciate ligament while attempting to tackle the elder Haaland. At the time, the elder Haaland, playing for Manchester City, stood over the fallen Keane and appeared to suggest he was faking the injury.

Four years later, the two clashed again. Keane made a high, reckless tackle on the elder Haaland during a match and was sent off with a red card. Since then, the feud has been repeatedly brought up.

Social Media Exchange

Now, the two are still trading barbs from afar. Keane's "drinking" comment has been widely shared on social media, and the elder Haaland replied under one related post: "A bastard is always a bastard."

Keane emphasized that he was only making a fair assessment of the referee's performance. He also joked that in 50-50 decisions, he usually leans slightly against England.

Keane said:

"Listen, in 50-50 situations, I always lean a little against England. But that push was a push, and then he headed it, so that's how it is. After the game, families and fans get emotional. We also saw interviews with the England manager, Bellingham, and players' families—they were all a bit emotional, so you try to give them some leeway. But when everyone wakes up tomorrow morning, you won't sit there and say, 'The referee cost us the game.' You can't say that. You can argue about a few decisions, but you can't say, 'He cost us the game.' No."

Other Reactions

Gary Neville agreed with Keane. He said:

"No, I don't think this is a game where, as an England fan, you feel we got lucky with the referee. I think the game against Ghana was lucky, when Ezri Konsa's penalty wasn't given—that was a case where you felt you got away with one."

Ian Wright said:

"Alf-Inge Haaland saying congratulations to Bellingham and the referee—isn't that a bit sour grapes? I think it's a bit low."

Update

Reports indicate that the elder Haaland has since deleted his comment under the related post.

Source: Daily Mail