Key facts
- Pro Ref admitted an error of judgment in awarding Erling Haaland's goal for Manchester City against Manchester United.
- The refereeing body stated VAR should have recommended an on-field review for the goal.
- The goal was initially disallowed for offside before VAR overturned the decision.
- Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and his movement may have impacted the defense.
- Pro Ref has contacted Manchester United to acknowledge the mistake.
Football's refereeing body, Pro Ref, has admitted that the decision to award Erling Haaland's winning goal for Manchester City against Manchester United in their recent derby match was an "error of judgment." The goal, which secured a 1-0 victory for City at Old Trafford, was initially disallowed for offside. However, VAR overturned the on-field decision.
In a statement released shortly after the match, Pro Ref acknowledged that the VAR officials should have recommended an on-field review. The controversy stemmed from Enzo Fernandez's position in an offside stance as he attempted to play the ball before it reached Haaland. Despite not touching the ball, Fernandez's movement was deemed to have potentially impacted the defending by Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez. According to the laws of the game, such interference should have resulted in the goal remaining disallowed.
Pro Ref confirmed that contact has been made with Manchester United to communicate this admission of error. The body also stated that a review of the incident will take place. The Premier League Match Centre had previously explained the decision by stating that VAR determined Haaland was onside and that Fernandez did not play the ball, a rationale that has been met with criticism.