Alfie Haaland aims dig at referees after Norway are knocked out by England in the World Cup quarter-final - after son Erling was bizarrely subbed OFF despite his side needing a goal in Miami

By TARA ANSON-WALSH, FOOTBALL REPORTER Published: 00:39, 12 July 2026 | Updated: 02:29, 12 July 2026 Erling Haaland's father, Alfie, appeared to aim a thinly veiled dig at the officials following Norway's World Cup quarter-final defeat to England. The Three Lions secured a 2-1 extra-time victory in Miami, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice to overturn Andreas Schjelderup's first-half opener and send England into the semi-finals. However, the result was not without controversy. Questions were raised over Bellingham's equaliser, with some suggesting the ball may have struck an overhead camera wire in the build-up. Norway were also left frustrated when a second-half goal was ruled out. Referees adjudged Haaland to have pushed Elliot Anderson inside the penalty area before the resulting corner was taken, leading to the effort being chalked off. Former Leeds United and Manchester City midfielder Alfie Haaland made his feelings known on social media after the match. Responding to a post from Fabrizio Romano highlighting Bellingham's tally of six goals in six World Cup appearances, he wrote: 'Well done Bellingham and referee.' Alfie Haaland appeared to aim a thinly veiled dig at the officials following Norway's World Cup quarter-final defeat to England Erling Haaland was hooked at half-time of extra time in Miami Haaland could only muster one shot on target during the match  This wasn't the only moment of controversy during the game, with Norwegian supporters later surprised to see talisman Haaland substituted during extra time with their side chasing an equaliser. The gruelling conditions in the Miami heat appeared to take their toll on the prolific striker, who was seen receiving treatment at the end of normal time. With Norway trailing at the interval of extra time, manager Stale Solbakken made the unexpected decision to replace Haaland with Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Manchester City star cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines as Norway, appearing at their first World Cup since 1998, saw their impressive run end at the quarter-final stage. Norway had taken a surprise lead in the 36th minute when Andrea Schjelderup found the net, his delivery into the penalty area evading everyone before creeping in. England responded 10 minutes later through Jude Bellingham, who fired a superb finish into the bottom-right corner from close range to level the contest. Bellingham then produced the decisive moment in extra time. After Orjan Nyland could only parry Morgan Rogers' powerful long-range effort, the Real Madrid midfielder reacted quickest to convert the rebound and put England ahead. His strike ultimately proved the winner, although Norway were handed a late lifeline when a penalty initially awarded against Djed Spence was overturned following a VAR review. As for Haaland, the 25-year-old City star uncharacteristically struggled to stamp his authority on the match for long periods, recording just 21 touches across more than 105 minutes on the pitch. He managed only two attempts on goal, with just one - a tame first-half header - requiring a save from Jordan Pickford. It was a rare quiet night for the Norwegian captain, marking the first time in almost two years that he had failed to score in a competitive international match - his last goalless outing for Norway came on October 13, 2024. Your browser does not support iframes.