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Premier League Refs Admit VAR 'Error' on Haaland Derby Winner
Confirmed
In Short: The Premier League refereeing body Pro Ref has admitted an 'error of judgment' in awarding Erling Haaland's winning goal for Manchester City against Manchester United.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR intervened and determined that Haaland had been kept onside by Patrick Dorgu's boot. "I went to him because he was in front of me. That’s why Haaland was free at the back," Martinez told Sky Sports. However, the initial offside call was incorrect, leading to questions about the accuracy of the VAR system.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick expressed concern over the decision, stating, "It was worrying that a team of officials had come to the conclusion that Haaland’s goal should stand." The incident sparked debate over the role of VAR in high-stakes matches, with some questioning the judgment of the officials involved.
Professional Game Referees (Pro Ref) admitted on Sunday that the decision to allow Haaland's winner was an "error of judgment." The controversy added to the drama of a closely contested derby, with City's victory moving them level on points with Arsenal in the Premier League standings.
What's confirmed
- Haaland scores controversial winner as Man City win derby despite Foden red The Premier League refereeing body Pro Ref has admitted an "error of judgement" in awarding Erling Haaland's Manchester City winner against Manchester United.
- In a post on X after the incident, the Premier League Match Centre said the VAR “determined that Haaland was in an onside position” and “deemed that while in an offside position, (Enzo) Fernandez didn’t play the ball”.
What's still developing
- Cristiano Ronaldo has said that fans who appeared to make chants referencing former teammate Diogo Jota at Ruben Neves during a Saudi Pro League match should be banned from football stadiums for life.
- “The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour,” said Ronaldo.
- The Saudi Pro League club said they were “confident” that measures would be taken to “protect the integrity of sporting competition from offensive practices”.
- But there was debate as to whether the offside Enzo Fernandez, diving at the ball in a more central position than Haaland, was interfering with play.
- Haaland's goal was originally ruled out for offside before a VAR check overturned the decision When Haaland's goal was ruled out as offside on the field, few questioned the decision as the City striker looked to have drifted beyond United's defensive line.
- Gvardiol's cross took a slight deflection off the boot of Dorgu before finding its way to Haaland at the back post, while Fernandez was clearly attempting a diving header in the middle of the six-yard box but he did not touch the ball.
- Despite playing with 10 men for more than 70 minutes, City held on for victory, preserving their perfect league start under Enzo Maresca and moving level on points with Arsenal.
- Haaland struck in the 60th minute at Old Trafford, turning in Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross at the back post after City had been reduced to 10 men.