ERLING HAALAND was SLAPPED in the face by the referee at half-time in Manchester City’s thriller with Real Madrid.

The striker was left fuming with French official Francois Letexier during Tuesday’s thrilling 3-3 draw in Spain.

Erling Haaland was slapped in the face by referee Francois Letexier

The Manchester City was left fuming as the official apologised to him

Letexier accidentally caught Haaland in the face with the back of his hand as he walked off the pitch.

The incident occurred after the half-time whistle at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Haaland threw his hands up in the air in response as he turned around to look at the referee, who put his hands on him to apologise and check if he was ok.

Letexier had been gesturing while he dealt with protests from Real Madrid full-back Dani Carvajal.

Fans were quick to react to the incident on social media, with one commenting: “The referee slaps Haaland to see if he wakes up in the second half.”

Another added: “Ref couldn’t see him as he ghosted all half.”

A third supporter also joked: “Wake up call from the referee.”

Meanwhile, one more wrote: “He didn’t see Haaland was on the pitch.”

Haaland had endured a difficult first half in the Spanish capital as he managed just four passes.

He was also only able to muster a single shot on goal, which was saved by Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

Despite Haaland’s difficulties, Bernardo Silva’s incredible goal gave City an early lead on Tuesday night.

But the hosts’ two goals in the space of two minutes sealed a stunning first-half comeback.

Before Rodrygo gave Los Blancos the lead, Ruben Dias leveled the score with an own goal.

However, Phil Foden’s incredible goal from outside the box after the half tied the treble champions.

Josko Gvardiol then gave City the advantage back, and they finished their own comeback.

Federico Valverde cut the lead to 3-3 with just eight minutes remaining, leaving the tie open for interpretation heading into the second leg.