Pro Ref admits VAR error after Erling Haaland scores disputed winner in Manchester derby
Refereeing body Pro Ref admitted video officials made an error of judgement in allowing Erling Haaland's 60th-minute winner during Manchester City's 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Pro Ref admits review error
English refereeing body Pro Ref confirmed on Sunday evening that video assistant referee officials made an error of judgement by awarding Erling Haaland's decisive goal in Manchester City's 1-0 win over Manchester United. City secured the victory at Old Trafford despite competing with ten players for more than 70 minutes following Phil Foden's first-half dismissal. Pro Ref reached out directly to Manchester United on Sunday night to acknowledge the mistake. The organisation announced that a comprehensive review of the officiating incident will take place.
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 disputed sixty-minute strike
The controversial moment occurred on the hour mark when Josko Gvardiol delivered a cross that took a touch off full-back Patrick Dorgu. Referee Michael Oliver initially disallowed the strike on the pitch for an offside infringement. Video assistant referee Matt Donohue reviewed the sequence and overturned the on-field decision after establishing that Haaland was in an onside position. The Premier League Match Centre initially stated on social media that City midfielder Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball. Pro Ref subsequently determined that the VAR failed to recognise the impact of Fernandez, who attempted a header from an offside position while Lisandro Martinez tracked him. Premier League officiating guidelines stipulate that an offside player is penalised when clearly attempting to play a close ball if that action impacts an opponent.
- Phil Foden is sent off for kicking Bruno Fernandes.
- Erling Haaland scores the winning goal following a VAR overturn.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma stops a late shot from Bryan Mbeumo.
- Pro Ref releases a statement acknowledging an error of judgement.
Ten-man City hold on at Old Trafford
The win gave City manager Enzo Maresca a derby victory in his first visit to Old Trafford since taking over from Pep Guardiola. City played with a numerical disadvantage from the 22nd minute after Foden kicked United captain Bruno Fernandes in the stomach following an initial challenge. Despite the extra player, United were unable to convert their possession into goals. Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo both hit the woodwork for the home side, while striker Matheus Cunha was replaced by Benjamin Sesko in the second half. City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma protected the advantage by stopping a 95th-minute effort from Bryan Mbeumo. The result lifted City to second place in the league table with 12 points.
- Manchester City
- 12 points
- Manchester United
- 4 points
Reaction from managers and players
United manager Michael Carrick criticized the officials during his post-match media conference, noting that United have collected four points from four matches and sit eight points behind City. Martinez expressed deep frustration over how the offside rules were applied after officials had visited the club to explain the guidelines.
I went to him because he was in front of me. That's why Haaland was free at the back.
Maresca agreed that Foden's retaliation was a red card offense but argued that Bruno Fernandes should also have been sent off for the initial kick. Carrick questioned why the layered video review structure failed to identify the offside interference.
I just don't get it, I really don't get it, I can't understand how we're trying to help referees, putting so many layers behind them, so many people, bodies and screens, and they can't make the right decision.
