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The Professional Game Referees (Pro Ref) has admitted that VAR made an “error of judgment” in allowing Erling Haaland’s decisive goal during Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Haaland scored in the 60th minute after connecting with Josko Gvardiol’s cross, giving City the lead despite Pep Guardiola’s side playing with 10 men following Phil Foden’s dismissal for kicking Bruno Fernandes.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR overturned the decision after determining that Haaland was in an onside position. However, City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was also in an offside position and attempted to reach the ball before Haaland scored.
Fernandez did not touch the ball, leading the VAR team to conclude that he had not committed an offside offence. The Premier League Match Centre subsequently explained that Haaland was onside and Fernandez had not played the ball.
Pro Ref, however, said VAR failed to properly consider the likely impact of Fernandez’s position on the play and should have recommended that referee Michael Oliver review the incident on the pitch.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgment. A review of the incident will take place,” Pro Ref said.
The admission came after United manager Michael Carrick questioned the decision, describing it as worrying that a team of officials had concluded that the goal should stand.
United defender Lisandro Martinez was also critical of the decision, arguing that Fernandez’s position affected his movement and allowed Haaland to receive the ball unmarked.
“I went to him because he was in front of me. That’s why Haaland was free at the back,” Martinez told Sky Sports.
“Five or six people (officials) doing this kind of mistake in the Premier League is unacceptable. We have to go home with this injustice.”
Despite the refereeing controversy, City held on for the victory after playing for more than an hour with 10 men, with Haaland’s goal securing the three points in the Manchester derby. Pro Ref has now confirmed that the incident will be reviewed.
