Alf-Inge Haaland has responded after being removed from his box at the Bernabeu on Tuesday while his son Erling played for Manchester City against Real Madrid.
Alf-Inge, himself a former City player, was shown taunting supporters of the Spanish side. As he prepared to make his way out of the box, the 50-year-old could be seen smiling and cupping his ears.
Responding to the incident, he has suggested his celebrations angered the home supporters after Kevin De Bruyne's long-range effort brought City level in the Spanish capital. The game ended all-square, setting up a tantalising second leg.
Sharing a Sky Sports video of the incident, Alf-Inge attempted to clarify the situation. "Ok. RM [Real Madrid] was not happy we were celebrating KDB goal. Other than than that we had to move because RM fans not happy with 1-1," he wrote.
When accused of throwing peanuts at Real fans, he added: "Ok. I did not. Not true. We had some good banter with Madrid fans. They were not happy when City scored. Typical. Then we had to move 50 meters away. Nothing more. All happy. Well nearly…"
While Real Madrid's supporters didn't take kindly to the actions, some City fans were revelling in his antics. "Keep winding them up, it’s brilliant to see," was one reply.
Another called the action "brilliant" while some referred to the Norwegian as a "legend". There was also a suggestion that his behaviour could see tensions rise ahead of the return game in Manchester, with one Twitter user saying "the second leg's match is going to be a war".
"When we were better they score. When they were better we score. Tight, tight game," Guardiola told BT Sport after the game. "The Bernabeu in the semi-final, sometimes we had good moments and sometimes it was difficult with the quality they have on the ball. Final next Wednesday at home with our people."
What did you make of Alf-Inge Haaland's behaviour? Have your say in the comments section
City's manager also praised De Bruyne, who fired home from the edge of the box midway through the second half. “Kevin knows how important he is for us,” the Catalan said.
“He made an incredible performance for many reasons and I'm happy for him. In this type of game, in this type of competition - semi-finals and finals - you need your best players to perform. Everyone was really good."
The tie remains all to play for going into the second leg, but City know a repeat of the scoreline when the teams met at the Etihad last season will be enough. De Bruyne was one of four scorers for the hosts on that occasion, only for Madrid to score three times themselves before completing a turnaround in Spain.
"We got the goal a bit late so we feel a bit like we could have got out with more," Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger told beIN Sports after this year's first leg. "But it's no problem, the tie is definitely on and we can go with confidence to Manchester."
