Ian Wright Slams Haaland Father's Referee Remarks After Norway Exit

England booked a place in the last four of the FIFA World Cup 2026, but the conversation quickly shifted from football to officiating after Norway's narrow 2-1 defeat.

Norway looked in control when Andreas Schjelderup fired his side ahead in the first half. England responded moments before the interval as Jude Bellingham found the net, changing the mood inside the stadium. Early in extra time, Bellingham struck again after a costly mistake from goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, sending England into the semi-finals.

The result did little to settle the debate.

Norway believed Bellingham's first goal should never have counted after claims the ball made contact with a Spidercam wire during the attacking move. Later, another flashpoint arrived when Torbjorn Heggem had a goal ruled out because officials judged Erling Haaland had fouled Elliot Anderson in the build-up.

Those moments became the focus after the final whistle.

Alf-Inge Haaland, watching from the stands, questioned the officiating on social media. Replying to posts celebrating England's victory, he suggested Norway had been denied a fair outcome and congratulated "Bellingham and the referee" rather than England.

His comments quickly spread across football circles, adding another layer to an already tense night.

Former England striker Ian Wright did not share that view.

Speaking on a podcast, Wright dismissed the suggestion that officials handed England the match. He argued Haaland's challenge on Anderson was a clear foul and said there was little room for debate.

Wright added that the physical difference between the two players made the push even harder to justify. In his view, Norway had no grounds to blame the referee for that particular decision.

The fallout has ensured the England vs Norway clash will be remembered for far more than Bellingham's winning performance. While England prepare for a World Cup semi-final, discussion around the referee's calls continues to dominate headlines.

The latest dispute has also placed fresh attention on VAR and match officiating at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where every major decision is being examined from every possible angle. With the tournament entering its decisive stage, scrutiny on referees is only expected to intensify.