7 MINUTES AGO 🔥 Erling Haaland CAUSES A STORM: “I won’t be attending Pride Night – Football is not a place for politics!”
Manchester City’s Norwegian striker Erling Haaland has become the center of controversy across social media after announcing that he will not be attending Pride Night organized by the Premier League. The event is considered an activity to honor diversity and support the LGBTQ+ community in football, but Haaland’s statement has deeply divided the media and fans.
According to the Daily Mail, in a press conference before the match, Haaland frankly said:
“Football should only revolve around goals, team spirit and performance on the pitch — not mixed with politics or social movements.”
This statement has caused a wave of criticism. Many have argued that Haaland is “disrespecting” the league’s efforts to create an open and inclusive football environment. Some equality activists have argued that refusing to participate in Pride Night is a denial of the existence of a community trying to be seen in a world of prejudiced sports.
However, Haaland has also had his fair share of supporters, who believe the player has the right to his own opinions and should not be forced to participate in social or political activities. “Haaland is right — football should be focused on the pitch, not a place to flaunt political views,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
Insiders say the Premier League has issued a request requiring players to wear rainbow armbands and training shirts with the Pride logo during Pride Night week, which is believed to be the reason Haaland is unhappy. A source close to him revealed: “He felt forced to express something that is not part of the core values of football. He respects everyone, but he does not want politics to creep into the game.”
Haaland’s statement quickly became a hot topic globally. From Norway to England, from Europe to Asia, social media was flooded with debates about whether sports leagues should “politicize” the pitch. Many people recalled that in the past, some players such as Mesut Özil, Zlatan Ibrahimović or Toni Kroos also expressed similar views — that football should remain the nature of sport, not influenced by social movements.
However, media experts said that this statement could affect Haaland’s brand image, especially when he is the face of many global brands. Refusing to participate in a campaign as humanitarian as Pride Night could make him appear “unfriendly” in the eyes of some fans.
Manchester City has yet to comment officially, but many sources say the board is trying to calm the situation to avoid turning it into a media crisis. Regardless, Erling Haaland is standing his ground — and seems ready to face any consequences.
The big question remains: Is football going too far in turning matches into a stage for social issues? Haaland, with a short sentence, has sparked a debate that will probably last for a long time.
