Erling Haaland asked to identify himself by balaclava-wearing cops during club raid

Erling Haaland was reportedly confronted by Spanish police officers as they carried out a raid on his favourite beach club. The Norwegian was enjoying some down time at Playa Padre in Marbella over the weekend when the venue was stormed by armed cops in balaclavas.

Haaland looked surprised as he was spotted pulling his ID out of his pocket after being asked to identify himself, according to The Mirror. Police in Marbella are said to be raiding clubs in the area following a string of shootings in an attempt to ensure the safety of holidaymakers.

Around 200 officers were said to have been involved in the operation while a helicopter circled overhead. A similar raid was carried out at the Ocean Beach club last month, with stunned British tourists being ordered out of the pool so they could identify themselves.

Haaland regularly visits Playa Padre when he is in Marbella, the Spanish coastal resort where he and his father Alfie own property. He chose to spend the early part of his summer in the area following Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024 and was recently pictured dancing in front of a DJ with other holidaymakers.

There has been an increased police presence in Marbella this year, with authorities launching a crackdown on gang violence and organised crime. Locals and tourists have been warned to expect more random stops and officer checkpoints in and around the area.

Two shootings took place earlier this year, while a young man was left seriously injured just days prior in a shoot-out in Puerto Banus, according to The Sun. Raids are expected to continue throughout the summer season until late October, with police leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to tackle the problem.

A police spokesperson said in April: “Checks on vehicles and people will be increased, with random operations at different times and in different places to increase the surprise factor. Police units will be deployed in places with agglomerations of people, especially in commercial and leisure areas, and there will also be operations in residential areas.”

La Sala, a British-owned restaurant in Marbella, was recently targeted by criminals with around 15 bullets being fired into the windows of the premises in broad daylight. The likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Jurgen Klopp and Harry Maguire have all visited the restaurant in the past.