Pro Ref has acknowledged an “error of judgement” in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) process that allowed Erling Haaland’s winning goal to stand during Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Haaland scored in the 60th minute to decide a tense Manchester derby, despite City having been reduced to 10 men following Phil Foden’s dismissal earlier in the match.

The striker’s goal was initially ruled out for offside by referee Michael Oliver. However, the decision was overturned after VAR reviewed the incident and determined that Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu had played Haaland onside.

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The decision subsequently came under scrutiny because City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was positioned offside during the attacking move and appeared to potentially interfere with play as the ball travelled across the penalty area.

Pro Ref, the body responsible for providing clarification on refereeing decisions, has now admitted that VAR should have recommended that Oliver conduct an on-field review of the incident.

Pro Ref has acknowledged an “error of judgement” in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) process that allowed Erling Haaland’s winning goal to stand during Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Haaland scored in the 60th minute to decide a tense Manchester derby, despite City having been reduced to 10 men following Phil Foden’s dismissal earlier in the match.

The striker’s goal was initially ruled out for offside by referee Michael Oliver. However, the decision was overturned after VAR reviewed the incident and determined that Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu had played Haaland onside.

The decision subsequently came under scrutiny because City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was positioned offside during the attacking move and appeared to potentially interfere with play as the ball travelled across the penalty area.

Pro Ref, the body responsible for providing clarification on refereeing decisions, has now admitted that VAR should have recommended that Oliver conduct an on-field review of the incident.

In a statement addressing the incident, Pro Ref explained that the initial on-field decision was correctly identified as an offside call against Haaland.

VAR subsequently checked Haaland’s position and established that the Manchester City forward was onside because of Dorgu’s positioning.

However, the review also involved Fernandez’s position. Pro Ref noted that the City midfielder did not touch the ball during the attack, meaning any potential offside offence involving him was considered subjective.

The organisation nevertheless acknowledged that VAR failed to properly assess whether Fernandez’s position had an impact on the play.

According to Pro Ref, the VAR official should therefore have recommended an on-field review by Oliver before the goal was allowed to stand.

The refereeing body said it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge what it described as an error of judgement and confirmed that the incident would undergo further review.

The admission adds another layer to a derby that had already been overshadowed by contentious officiating decisions.

City had spent more than an hour playing with 10 men after Foden was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.

The dismissal itself also generated debate, with City manager Enzo Maresca agreeing that Foden’s action warranted a red card but arguing that Fernandes should have been sent off for his role in the confrontation.

Maresca said he reviewed the incident immediately after Foden’s dismissal and considered the red card for the City player justified because it was a reaction.

However, he maintained that Fernandes’ conduct during the same sequence should also have resulted in a dismissal.

The manager argued that although Foden clearly reacted during the incident, Fernandes’ intention should also have been taken into consideration by the officials.

The controversial decisions ensured that the Manchester derby remained a major talking point after the final whistle.

Haaland’s goal ultimately proved decisive, giving City all three points despite their numerical disadvantage for a large portion of the contest.

Pro Ref’s acknowledgement means attention will now turn to the review of the incident and whether further guidance will be issued regarding how VAR officials assess subjective offside situations involving players who do not directly touch the ball.

For Manchester United, the admission offers confirmation that the winning goal involved a VAR judgement that should have received additional scrutiny.

For City, however, the result remains a significant victory, with Haaland’s effort securing the derby win despite the team’s early setback.

In a statement addressing the incident, Pro Ref explained that the initial on-field decision was correctly identified as an offside call against Haaland.

VAR subsequently checked Haaland’s position and established that the Manchester City forward was onside because of Dorgu’s positioning.

However, the review also involved Fernandez’s position. Pro Ref noted that the City midfielder did not touch the ball during the attack, meaning any potential offside offence involving him was considered subjective.

The organisation nevertheless acknowledged that VAR failed to properly assess whether Fernandez’s position had an impact on the play.

According to Pro Ref, the VAR official should therefore have recommended an on-field review by Oliver before the goal was allowed to stand.

The refereeing body said it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge what it described as an error of judgement and confirmed that the incident would undergo further review.

The admission adds another layer to a derby that had already been overshadowed by contentious officiating decisions.

City had spent more than an hour playing with 10 men after Foden was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.

The dismissal itself also generated debate, with City manager Enzo Maresca agreeing that Foden’s action warranted a red card but arguing that Fernandes should have been sent off for his role in the confrontation.

Maresca said he reviewed the incident immediately after Foden’s dismissal and considered the red card for the City player justified because it was a reaction.

However, he maintained that Fernandes’ conduct during the same sequence should also have resulted in a dismissal.

The manager argued that although Foden clearly reacted during the incident, Fernandes’ intention should also have been taken into consideration by the officials.

The controversial decisions ensured that the Manchester derby remained a major talking point after the final whistle.

Haaland’s goal ultimately proved decisive, giving City all three points despite their numerical disadvantage for a large portion of the contest.

Pro Ref’s acknowledgement means attention will now turn to the review of the incident and whether further guidance will be issued regarding how VAR officials assess subjective offside situations involving players who do not directly touch the ball.

For Manchester United, the admission offers confirmation that the winning goal involved a VAR judgement that should have received additional scrutiny.

For City, however, the result remains a significant victory, with Haaland’s effort securing the derby win despite the team’s early setback.

 

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