Pro Ref Admits VAR Error As Haaland Gives Manchester City Derby Win
Manchester City secured a controversial 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal in a match that ended with the refereeing body admitting that VAR made an error.
Haaland found the breakthrough in the 60th minute, finishing at the far post from a Joško Gvardiol cross to give City the lead. The goal was initially ruled out for offside before VAR intervened and determined that Haaland himself was in an onside position.
However, the decision quickly became the centre of controversy because Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernández was also in an offside position during the attack. Although Fernández did not touch the ball, his position and attempt to play it raised questions over whether he had interfered with the United defence.
Pro Ref, the body responsible for overseeing Premier League refereeing, later acknowledged that VAR failed to properly consider Fernández’s potential impact on the play. The organisation said the VAR should have recommended an on-field review and described the decision as an “error of judgement”.
The controversy came after City had already been reduced to 10 men. Phil Foden was sent off during the first half following an incident involving Bruno Fernandes, leaving United with a numerical advantage for much of the match.
Despite playing against 10 men, United were unable to find an equaliser. The hosts struggled to make their numerical advantage count, while City defended their lead to claim all three points.
The defeat will be particularly frustrating for United because Haaland’s goal proved decisive and came after a VAR intervention that has now been publicly questioned by the refereeing authorities.
Pro Ref has confirmed that a review of the incident will take place and that Manchester United have been contacted regarding the error.
However, the admission does not mean the result will be overturned. Manchester City remain the 1-0 winners, while the controversy surrounding Haaland’s goal is likely to continue beyond the final whistle.
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