Pro Ref has admitted to an error of judgement over the VAR process that allowed Erling Haaland’s winning goal to stand in Manchester City’s derby victory at Old Trafford.
Haaland’s 60th-minute goal was initially ruled out for offside on the field, before VAR intervened and awarded it, judging that Patrick Dorgu’s boot had played him onside.
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The bigger issue, however, was Enzo Fernández, who was in an offside position closer to goal and dived for the ball without touching it.
Pro Ref said the VAR “did not recognise the likely impact of his position” on Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez, and should have sent referee Michael Oliver to review the goal on the pitch.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement,” the body said, confirming a formal review would follow.
The goal proved decisive in a match City had gone down to 10 men in during the first half, after Phil Foden was sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.
Martínez called the outcome an “injustice,” while manager Michael Carrick said he was left “confused” by the explanation given.
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Former United players Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville were among the pundits who felt Fernández’s positioning clearly should have ruled the goal out, with Neville predicting an apology from officials was likely. City boss Enzo Maresca, however, maintained the goal was “clearly” onside.
Photo: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
