Pitch invader who celebrated with Erling Haaland is former world champion boxer
Former world champion boxer Terry ‘Turbo’ Flanagan was the fan that jumped on Manchester City star Erling Haaland at Bramall Lane, it has emerged.
The Norwegian striker looked to be en route to a frustrating afternoon at Sheffield United. He had hit the post with a penalty, whilst also wasting a number of other presentable opportunities.
However, he eventually managed to find the net with a header to put the reigning Premier League champions ahead. The goal triggered an outpouring of emotions from Haaland and his teammates. One fan also joined in as he invaded the pitch and was embraced by the City striker. One viewer watching took to twitter to write: "That fan caught Haaland by surprise!"
"We're lucky Haaland is a unit, if it was Bernardo [Silva] he'd be paralysed,” another wrote. That call appears bang on considering that the pitch invader was a former world champion boxer.
Terry Flanagan, 34, is a retired British pro fighter who held the WBO lightweight title for two years between 2015 and 2017. His record sits at 36 fights, winning 14 of those by knockout with just two defeats.
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Flanagan’s last bout saw him come up against Jayro Fernando Duran with the former securing a victory on points. Flanagan is also a big Manchester City fan and was even afforded the chance to hold a press conference ahead of his 2017 clash with Russian Petr Petrov at the club’s Academy Stadium.
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Speaking about that opportunity, he said: “It’s great. It’s beautiful in there where I had the press conference, it’s mint. Just a stone’s throw away from my house as well so it’s great.”
He was also asked about Pep Guardiola, with the Spaniard in the midst of his first campaign at the helm at the Etihad Stadium. Flanagan replied: “He’s great and I love his style of play. It’s a joy to watch. I was devastated about the Tottenham game [a 2-2 draw between the two in 2017] but it’s the best I’ve seen us play.”
Despite Haaland’s opening goal, it looked as though City would be pegged back by Sheffield United. Jayden Bogle equalised for the hosts with just five minutes of normal time remaining.
Joe Flanagan poses in a Man City shirt ahead of his clash with Petr Petrov (Getty Images)Spanish midfielder Rodri fired home a stunning winner just a few minutes later to ensure Guardiola’s side continued their 100% start to the campaign. Haaland took to Twitter shortly after the result, and his reaction was telling.
He wrote “Aaaaaand breathe!” alongside a relieved emoji. Man City will be aiming to continue their perfect start next weekend as they welcome Fulham to the Etihad Stadium.
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