Haaland is caught using mobile phone while driving his Rolls-Royce

Manchester City star Erling Haaland appeared to be seen using a mobile phone while driving near the Etihad Stadium.

The Norwegian goal-machine appeared to be looking down at a smartphone in his lap while at the wheel on a dual carriageway in Manchester's New Islington area.

Photos published by The Sun seem to show him holding the device while driving his £300,000 Rolls Royce Cullinan.

The Sun report report that it took place earlier in March in the wake of his stunning five-goal exploits in the Champions League against RB Leipzig at the Etihad to book his side a spot in the last-eight of the tournament.

The striker's actions were criticised heavily by an onlooker, who warned that using his mobile phone while at the wheel could have dangerous consequences for both him and others around him.

They said: 'Erling has hardly put a foot wrong since he moved to City.

'But he needs to pay more attention to the road when he's driving and needs to brush up on the law when he's driving.

'It's a silly mistake but could be a dangerous one for him and for other road users.

'The last thing City fans want is for him to have a bump which rules him out of a game.'

In the UK, drivers caught using mobile phones at the wheel face severe punishments, including a £200 fine and six points on a driving license.

Similarly, in Haaland's home country Norway it is also illegal for drivers to be on their devices while in control of a vehicle.

Former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps had tightened laws around the use of mobile phones by drivers, and claimed he would take a 'zero-tolerance' policy on similar incidents.

'I will do everything in my power to keep road users safe, which is why I am taking a zero-tolerance approach to those who decide to risk lives by using their phone behind the wheel,' he said.

According to the RAC, a third of drivers in 2020 felt other drivers using mobile phones was their greatest fear on the road, while statistics showed that 17 people died and 499 injured in crashes with one driver using a device.

Haaland had initially left Man City to join up with his international team-mates for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Spain and Georgia, but was forced to return to his club with a groin injury.

As a result, his participation in City's upcoming blockbuster clash with Liverpool is in doubt.