Erling Haaland slammed for his reaction to young Fluminense fans ahead of Club World Cup final

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been criticised for his reaction to a group of young Fluminese fans ahead of the Club World Cup final.

The Premier League champions face off against the Brazilian giants on Friday in Saudi Arabia after beating Urawa Red Diamonds 3-0 in the semi-final.

Unfortunately, Pep Guardiola will be without Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku due to injury.

However, that hasn't stopped Haaland making headlines in Brazil after he was accused of ignoring a group of children in Jeddah.

The Norwegian striker was filmed wandering around a shopping mall as group of excited kids chased him. You can watch the video below.

A report from Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte featured quotes from Giovanna Costi, who is married to Fluminise midfielder Henrique Ganso.

She detailed the "horrible" moment when Haaland refused to take a photo with her son and refused to acknowledge the children.

“It was horrible. Henrico is horrified! He was a fan! He doesn’t even want to mention his name now," she said.

"There were only 6 children, they couldn’t get close, he didn’t even say goodbye from afar. He pretended they didn’t exist.

“The children were very sad! What’s the chance of meeting an idol like that? In the street. There was no-one there, empty. It wouldn’t have taken more than five seconds! Anyway. Even in pain, you learn, right? I’m sure these children will take something good from today!”

Karina Xavier, wife of Fluminense full-back Samuel Xavier, was also left shocked by the Norwegian striker's attitude, saying: “I still can’t get over the fact that Haaland didn’t say hello to the children who are his super-fans, he didn’t even look at them.”

When asked if Haaland would feature in Saudi Arabia ahead of Manchester City's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace ob the weekend, Guardiola admitted: "I don't think so. [Unless the medical team] tell me something new but I don't think so.

"It's not fractured, it's just stress and sometimes players recover quicker sometimes longer so [we have to take it] day by day. The doctors have said we have to take it day by day, week by week [and see] how he feels. The moment he doesn't have symptoms or doesn't feel pain he will be ready to play again."

However, Haaland has since been pictured back in training earlier this week in a boost for supporters.

We have reached out to Manchester City for comment in regards to the story.

Topics: Erling Haaland, Manchester City, FIFA Club World Cup, Football

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno