VAR Controversy Deepens As Officials Admit Mistake In Haaland’s Goal Against Man United

Pro Ref has admitted an “error of judgement” over Erling Haaland’s winning goal in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Haaland scored in the 60th minute to settle the Manchester derby after City had been reduced to 10 men following Phil Foden’s dismissal for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.

Haaland’s goal was initially ruled out for offside, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review determined that Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu had played the Norwegian striker onside.

However, Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position during the attack and appeared to have an influence as the ball travelled across the penalty area towards Haaland.

Pro Ref has now acknowledged that VAR should have recommended an on-field review of the incident because of Fernandez’s position.

In its explanation, the refereeing body said the original offside decision against Haaland was checked and correctly overturned after he was found to be in an onside position. However, it noted that Fernandez’s position created a subjective offside situation because he did not make contact with the ball.

Pro Ref further explained that VAR failed to recognise the potential impact of Fernandez’s position and should therefore have advised referee Michael Oliver to review the incident himself.

The organisation also confirmed that it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge what it described as an error of judgement and said the incident would be reviewed.

The admission has added another layer of controversy to an already dramatic Manchester derby, which also saw Foden receive a straight red card.

City manager Enzo Maresca accepted that Foden deserved to be dismissed but argued that Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes should also have received a red card for his involvement in the incident.

Maresca said Foden’s reaction warranted a red card but insisted that Fernandes’ actions during the same confrontation should also have been punished with a dismissal.

The controversial decisions have continued to generate debate surrounding the derby, with the official acknowledgement from Pro Ref now placing further attention on the VAR handling of Haaland’s decisive goal.