Manchester Derby: VAR Blunder Admitted Over Haaland’s Winning Goal
England’s refereeing body has admitted that VAR made an error in allowing Erling Haaland’s match-winning goal to stand during Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Haaland struck in the second half to settle a tense Manchester derby, handing City all three points despite Pep Guardiola’s side playing for more than an hour with 10 men following Phil Foden’s dismissal for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.
The goal initially appeared to have been ruled out for offside, but a lengthy VAR review overturned the decision after Haaland was deemed to have been played onside by the foot of United defender Patrick Dorgu.
However, the review failed to adequately consider the position of City midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who appeared to be offside and potentially interfering with play as the ball travelled across the penalty area.
Pro Ref, the body responsible for English refereeing, has now acknowledged that referee Michael Oliver should have been sent to the pitchside monitor to review the incident.
In a statement, Pro Ref explained that although Fernandez did not touch the ball, his position could have had an impact on the play.
“The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position,” the statement said.
“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 that it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge what it described as an “error of judgement” and confirmed that the incident would be reviewed.
The admission is likely to fuel further debate over the controversial decision, although the result of the derby remains unchanged, with City leaving Old Trafford with a crucial victory.
Haaland struck in the second half to settle a tense Manchester derby, handing City all three points despite Pep Guardiola’s side playing for more than an hour with 10 men following Phil Foden’s dismissal for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.
The goal initially appeared to have been ruled out for offside, but a lengthy VAR review overturned the decision after Haaland was deemed to have been played onside by the foot of United defender Patrick Dorgu.
However, the review failed to adequately consider the position of City midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who appeared to be offside and potentially interfering with play as the ball travelled across the penalty area.
Pro Ref, the body responsible for English refereeing, has now acknowledged that referee Michael Oliver should have been sent to the pitchside monitor to review the incident.
In a statement, Pro Ref explained that although Fernandez did not touch the ball, his position could have had an impact on the play.
“The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position,” the statement said.
“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 that it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge what it described as an “error of judgement” and confirmed that the incident would be reviewed.
The admission is likely to fuel further debate over the controversial decision, although the result of the derby remains unchanged, with City leaving Old Trafford with a crucial victory.
