Refereeing body Pro Ref has officially admitted that VAR made a massive blunder by allowing Erling Haaland’s 60th-minute winner to stand in Manchester City’s 1-0 derby victory at Old Trafford.
The incident kicked off when Joško Gvardiol’s cross came in. The assistant referee originally flagged for offside, but VAR overturned it after confirming Haaland was technically onside. However, officials completely overlooked Enzo Fernández, who made a dive for the ball from an offside position right in front of Lisandro Martínez.
Because Enzo didn’t touch the ball, VAR brushed it aside—ignoring how his movement distracted United’s defenders and left Haaland completely free at the back post.
Pro Ref released an official statement confirming the mistake:
”Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland’s awarded goal.
”The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.
”In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
”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 admission comes after furious reactions from United manager Michael Carrick and defender Lisandro Martínez, who called the decision “staggering” and “unacceptable” after losing all three points at home.
