Pro Ref admits VAR error over Haaland’s controversial Manchester derby winner

Manchester City’s controversial winning goal against Manchester United should have been reviewed on the pitch, according to Pro Ref, the body responsible for refereeing in English football.

City secured a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday after Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal in the second half. However, the goal was immediately surrounded by controversy after VAR intervened to overturn the on-field offside decision.

Pro Ref has now acknowledged that the VAR officials made an “error of judgment” by failing to recommend an on-field review.

Haaland was initially flagged offside when he finished at the back post. VAR subsequently determined that Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu had played him onside and recommended that the goal be awarded.

However, another part of the move became the focus of the controversy.

Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as the attack developed and appeared to attempt to play the ball. Although Fernandez did not make contact with it, his movement appeared to affect United defender Lisandro Martinez as he tried to defend the cross.

Under the offside law, a player does not necessarily have to touch the ball to commit an offence. An offside player can be penalised if they clearly attempt to play the ball and that action affects an opponent’s ability to challenge for or play it.

Pro Ref said the decision regarding Fernandez was subjective but admitted that VAR should have recognised his potential impact on the defender.

“On this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review,” Pro Ref said in a statement.

The refereeing body also confirmed that it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge what it described as an “error of judgment”, with a review of the incident set to take place.

The match officials were led by referee Michael Oliver, with Matt Donohue serving as VAR and Blake Antrobus as assistant VAR.

Neville and Richards criticise decision

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville had already questioned the decision during the match and predicted that the refereeing authorities would eventually admit an error.

Neville argued that Fernandez was clearly attempting to play the ball and that his movement distracted Martinez.

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards was equally critical, describing the explanation that Fernandez had not touched the ball as “nonsense”.

United defender Martinez also expressed his frustration after the match, insisting that the goal should not have been allowed to stand.

The controversy comes after City held on for victory despite being reduced to 10 men, with Haaland’s goal ultimately deciding the Manchester derby.

While the result remains unchanged, Pro Ref’s admission is likely to intensify the debate surrounding VAR and the interpretation of offside interference in the Premier League.