Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker from Dortmund, is a young prodigy coveted by Europe's biggest clubs, but it was an assistant referee who secured his signature on Tuesday night after the Champions League quarter-final first leg between Manchester City and the German formation (2-1).
Haaland (20), author of an assist for his captain Marco Reus, was chased through the tunnel leading to the locker room by Romanian linesman Octavian Sovre, who asked for an autograph, which the striker gave him allowed.
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“I was told, I haven't seen it.
Maybe he's a Haaland fan, ”said Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola of Spain.
Octavian Sovre officiated with his compatriot, fourth referee Sebastian Coltescu, during the C1 group stage match between Paris SG and Basaksehir Istanbul on December 8, interrupted by the players.
"Reprimand" for Octavian Sovre after PSG-Basaksehir Istanbul
The assistant coach of the Turkish club, Cameroonian Pierre Achille Webo, was indignant at having been referred to as "the black" in Romanian ("negru") by one of the two men.
Sebastian Coltescu was sanctioned for "inappropriate behavior" and suspended until the end of the season by UEFA.
Octavian Sovre was punished more lightly, with a "reprimand".
The internal justice of the instance did not sanction the two men for "racist or discriminatory conduct" (article 14 of its rules), but on the basis of its article 11, which sets "the general principles of conduct" on the land and forbids, for example, insults.
UEFA also ordered the two referees to follow "an educational program" by the end of June.
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