Refereeing body Pro Ref has admitted that officials made an “error of judgement” in allowing Erling Haaland’s controversial goal to stand during Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United.
The decision came under intense scrutiny after City’s winner at Old Trafford, with Manchester United arguing that an offside player had interfered with the play.
Haaland Goal Initially Ruled Out
Haaland’s goal was initially disallowed for offside by referee Michael Oliver.
However, VAR reviewed the incident and determined that Haaland was actually onside because United defender Patrick Dorgu had played him on.
The controversy centred on City midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before it reached Haaland.
Although Fernandez did not make contact with the ball, his movement appeared to affect United defender Lisandro Martinez as he attempted to defend the attack.
Pro Ref Admits VAR Mistake
Pro Ref later contacted Manchester United to acknowledge that VAR should have recommended an on-field review.
The refereeing body said the decision surrounding Fernandez’s involvement was subjective but admitted that officials failed to properly consider the impact of his movement on Martinez.
A Pro Ref spokesperson said:
“Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland’s awarded goal.”
The body explained that Haaland was correctly judged to be onside but said VAR failed to recognise the potential effect of Fernandez’s position.
“In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.”
Pro Ref added:
“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”
United Players Question Decision
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville had already criticised the decision during the match, arguing that Fernandez’s movement clearly affected Martinez.
Martinez himself also expressed his frustration after the game.
“Every season the officials come to our club and spend an hour explaining the rules and they look so confident with that,” he said.
“Then after, five or six people [officials] doing this kind of mistake in the Premier League is unacceptable. We have to go home with this injustice.”
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards also criticised the explanation given for awarding the goal, while former United midfielder Roy Keane argued that Fernandez had interfered with play.
The goal ultimately gave City a 1-0 win despite Pep Guardiola’s side playing with 10 men.
