Pro Ref Admits Error Over Haaland Winner Against Man United

Premier League refereeing body Pro Ref has acknowledged an “error of judgement” in the decision to allow Erling Haaland’s winning goal for Manchester City against Manchester United.

Haaland’s 60th-minute strike at Old Trafford had initially been ruled out for offside before a VAR review overturned the decision and awarded City the goal.

The Norwegian converted at the back post from Josko Gvardiol’s cross, with the VAR determining that Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu’s boot had played Haaland onside.

However, controversy surrounded the involvement of Enzo Fernandez, who appeared to be in an offside position while attempting to reach the ball from a central position.

Although Fernandez did not make contact with the ball, questions were raised over whether his position and attempted involvement interfered with play.

Pro Ref later admitted that the VAR should have recommended an on-field review.

“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.”

The decision drew criticism from Manchester United, with defender Lisandro Martinez describing it as an “injustice”, while manager Michael Carrick said he was “confused” by the ruling.

The controversial goal came in a match that had already been disrupted by a major refereeing decision, with Manchester City reduced to 10 men after Phil Foden received a straight red card in the first half.

Foden was dismissed by referee Michael Oliver in the 23rd minute after kicking United captain Bruno Fernandes in the midriff while the midfielder was on the ground.

Haaland’s goal initially appeared to be a straightforward offside decision, with the City striker seemingly beyond United’s defensive line when Gvardiol delivered the ball.

VAR’s offside lines subsequently showed Haaland to be onside because of Dorgu’s boot.

The main issue, however, was Fernandez’s position and whether his attempt to play the ball affected the play. Gvardiol’s cross took a slight deflection off Dorgu before reaching Haaland at the back post, while Fernandez attempted a diving header in the middle of the six-yard box without making contact.

Fernandez appeared to be ahead of Dorgu’s boot and therefore in an offside position, but VAR concluded that he had not played the ball and that the goal could stand.

The Premier League Match Centre explained the decision on X, saying: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded.

“The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball.”