English Football Association launches proceedings against City

(Patria) - The English Football Association (FA) has launched proceedings against Manchester City for failing to control its players who surrounded the main referee of Sunday's match against Tottenham Hotspur, protesting his decision in the final moments of the game.

Namely, deep into stoppage time with the score at 3:3, Erling Haaland, despite being fouled, managed to pass the ball to Jack Grealish who received it in the opponent's half and had an open path to the goal.

However, referee Simon Hooper decided to stop the play and award a free kick to City, thus not playing the advantage.

BREAKING: Manchester City have been charged by the FA for failing to control their players after surrounding referee Simon Hooper in the 94th minute of their draw against Tottenham. pic.twitter.com/PMW33z7tGk

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 4, 2023

As expected, this angered City's players who could not come to terms with Hooper's assessment and vehemently protested.

"Manchester City has been charged with a breach of FA rule E20.1. It is alleged that in the 94th minute of the match the club failed to ensure its players surrounded the match official," the FA announced.

After the draw with Tottenham, City dropped to third place in the table with 30 points, three less than leaders Arsenal, and one less than second-placed Liverpool.