Erling Haaland's father blasts referee after Norway's World Cup exit to England

Alf-Inge Haaland, the father of Norway striker Erling Haaland, criticised the referee after England's 2-1 extra-time win over Norway in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

In Short

• Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway the lead with a fierce first-half strike
• Jude Bellingham scored twice, including the extra-time winner
• FIFA said ball sensors detected no contact with the cable before England's goal

Alf-Inge Haaland, the father of Norway striker Erling Haaland, criticised the officiating after England defeated Norway 2-1 after extra time to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals in Miami on Saturday.

Norway vs England, FIFA World Cup 2026: HIGHLIGHTS

Jude Bellingham scored twice, including the extra-time winner, as England came from behind after Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway a first-half lead. The result ended Norway's historic World Cup run at the quarter-final stage.

Following the final whistle, football journalist Fabrizio Romano praised Bellingham on social media, prompting a sarcastic response from Alf-Inge Haaland.

"Well done Bellingham and referee."

The post quickly drew attention online as Norway's controversial exit became one of the major talking points after the quarter-final.

The Norwegian camp was left aggrieved by two major decisions during the contest.

England's equaliser came in first-half stoppage time after a goal-kick appeared to brush an overhead camera cable before dropping into England's possession. Norway protested, believing play should have been stopped, but FIFA later said technology showed there had been no contact.

"The sensor in the Connected Ball showed no peak in the 'heartbeat of the ball' when in the air, and therefore no evidence that the ball touched the overhead wire and changed the movement of the ball," FIFA said in a statement.

Norway's frustration grew in the 55th minute when Torbjorn Heggem thought he had restored their lead after a corner. However, following a VAR review, the goal was disallowed after officials ruled that Erling Haaland had fouled Elliot Anderson before the corner was taken.

Bellingham eventually settled the contest three minutes into extra time. Morgan Rogers' long-range effort slipped through the grasp of goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, allowing the England midfielder to react quickest and score from close range.

Schjelderup had put Norway ahead in the 36th minute with a powerful left-footed strike after Harry Kane lost possession in midfield. England responded just before the break through Bellingham, who finished coolly after being picked out by Anthony Gordon.

Erling Haaland was substituted midway through extra time, bringing an end to his remarkable streak of scoring in 14 consecutive competitive international appearances.

England progressed to only their fourth World Cup semi-final and their second in the last three editions. Thomas Tuchel's side will now face the winners of Argentina and Switzerland for a place in the final.

Alf-Inge Haaland enjoyed a distinguished playing career of his own, representing Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Manchester City. He also earned 34 caps for Norway and featured at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

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