Erling Haaland’s move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City took place with a great start in the summer. The ex-BVB professional was spoiled for choice when looking for a club, but ultimately decided on the English champions despite other tempting offers. There is sharp criticism in his Norwegian homeland.
Whether Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain or FC Bayern: There was hardly a well-known club in the summer that was not busy signing Erling Haaland. The striker ultimately chose Manchester City for the sporting perspective (and money).
Exactly this decision has now caused a clear reaction from a group of Norwegian fans.
During the second division game between Haaland’s hometown club Bryne FK and SK Brann, a group of Bergen fans held up a poster that read: “Hello farmers! Braut plays for dirty blood money. There is only one Haaland”.
With the “one Haaland” the fans referred to midfielder Markus Haaland, who is under contract with “their” SK Brann. Erling Braut Haaland began his career with Bryne, for whom his cousin Albert Braut Tjaaland now also plays.
“He could have chosen any club in the world”
“Haaland cannot escape criticism. He could have chosen any club in the world. He didn’t have to choose the club that was the worst in terms of ‘sportswashing’. He has to face that,” said a spokesman for the fan group opposite”NRK“.
Clubs like Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain have to face the accusation of “sportswashing” again and again. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar are trying to polish their international reputation and “cleanse” themselves by financing sporting events or taking over sporting clubs.
“We think our banner is fantastic,” said the fan club spokesman to those who criticized the supporters’ action: “It draws the limelight to the biggest problem in football. From the reactions we see that it heats up and triggering a debate,” he explained.