England’s thrilling World Cup quarter-final win over Norway has ignited a fierce debate off the field, with Alf-Inge Haaland expressing outrage over the officiating in Miami. The father of Manchester City star Erling Haaland took to social media to claim that the Three Lions were “saved” by the referee, drawing sharp reactions from pundits Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Gary Neville.

Wright hits back at ‘sour grapes’

Following Alf-Inge’s sarcastic post congratulating referee Clement Turpin, Arsenal legend Ian Wright argued that Norway’s 2-1 defeat at the Hard Rock Stadium was down to their own errors. Speaking on Stick to Football, presented by Sky Bet, Wright dismissed the Haaland family’s criticism. “Is that sour grapes from Alf-Inge Haaland, saying well done to Bellingham and the referee? I think that was just a bit of a low blow from him,” said Wright.

He went on to address complaints over a disallowed goal, adding: “He can’t be talking about that because it was a clear push [from Haaland]. He’s six or seven inches taller — why does he need to be so aggressive? It’s an obvious foul. You can’t be making that argument.”

Keane questions Alf-Inge’s clear-headedness

Manchester United legend Roy Keane offered a somewhat balanced take on the referee’s performance but couldn’t resist a jab at the elder Haaland. Keane admitted that some marginal decisions went England’s way but maintained it did not affect the overall outcome.

“I think the referee gave England a lot of the 50-50 calls. I’m not saying the big ones, but he seemed to lean towards England — and that can happen. I’m not saying he cost Norway the game, absolutely not. But there were a few moments that could have gone either way,” Keane noted.

He then added with a smirk, “Will he even remember the game? Because he always seems to be drinking alcohol at matches, the dad. No, he does! If you’re drinking, you’re seeing the game differently. Listen, I’ll always lean a bit against England when it’s 50-50, but a push is a push — and then he heads it, so that’s that.”

Neville and Wright dismiss ‘robbery’ claims

Gary Neville, another Manchester United great, also dismissed Norway’s accusations, contrasting this match with earlier fixtures. “No, I didn’t think this was a game where, as an England fan, you’d say we were lucky because of the referee. Against Ghana, yes — when Ezri Konsa’s penalty wasn’t given, we got away with one. But not here,” Neville said.

Wright further dismantled Norway’s excuses by highlighting their tactical lapses. “If their goalkeeper hadn’t made that mistake, or if [Alexander] Sorloth had squared it, they’d have been 2-0 up before half-time — and no one would be saying any of this! They lost because they made mistakes, not because of the referee, or the ball hitting the wire, or whatever else they’re talking about. It’s nonsense!” Wright added.

Haaland bows out after rare blank

Despite ending his debut World Cup campaign with an impressive seven goals, Erling Haaland couldn’t lift Norway into the semi-finals, being substituted late on for Jorgen Strand Larsen in the defeat to England.

Keane sympathised with the striker, suggesting that he was limited by his team’s shortcomings. “I wouldn’t say he played badly! We said before the game he scores every 14 touches. In open play, he’s dependent on service from his teammates. It’s tough when that support isn’t there,” Keane observed.