VAR Admits Error Over Haaland’s Manchester Derby Winner
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Pro Ref has acknowledged that Erling Haaland’s winning goal in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United should not have been allowed to stand.
Haaland settled Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford with a second-half strike that initially appeared to have been ruled out for offside.
The decision was later overturned after a VAR review, with officials determining that Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu had played Haaland onside.
However, another aspect of the attack has since come under scrutiny.
Manchester City’s Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and attempted to play the ball before it reached Haaland. Although Fernandez did not make contact with the ball, Pro Ref said his position could have affected the play.
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 on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside 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.
“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.”
Manchester City’s victory gave them all three points from the derby, but the admission from Pro Ref is expected to intensify debate over the VAR decision that led to Haaland’s goal being awarded.