Pro Ref have admitted an “error of judgement” in the handling of Erling Haaland’s controversial winning goal during Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford.
The admission is set to generate fresh debate over Premier League officiating and the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR), after the technology was used to overturn an initial offside decision against Haaland.
Manchester City secured a narrow victory over their city rivals after Haaland’s goal proved decisive, but the circumstances surrounding the strike have continued to attract attention following questions over whether VAR fully considered the involvement of another Manchester City player during the build-up.
According to Pro Ref, the on-field officials initially ruled Haaland offside when the goal was scored. VAR subsequently reviewed the incident and determined that the Norwegian striker was in an onside position.
That decision meant the original offside call was overturned and Haaland’s goal was awarded, ultimately handing Manchester City all three points at Old Trafford.
However, Pro Ref have now acknowledged that there was an important element of the incident that VAR failed to properly recognise.
VAR Failed To Properly Assess Fernández’s Involvement
The major issue centres on Enzo Fernández’s position during the attacking move.
Fernández was in an offside position and attempted to play the ball during the sequence that eventually led to Haaland’s goal.
While the VAR review focused on Haaland’s position, Pro Ref have now admitted that the potential impact of Fernández’s involvement should have received greater consideration.
The officiating body described the failure as an “error of judgement”, raising questions over why VAR did not recommend that the on-field referee take another look at the incident on the pitch.
The development has placed the controversial Manchester Derby goal under renewed scrutiny.
VAR Should Have Recommended On-Field Review
One of the most significant aspects of the admission is Pro Ref’s acknowledgement that VAR should have recommended an on-field review.
Rather than simply confirming the decision after checking Haaland’s position, VAR should have referred the incident back to the referee so that the wider circumstances surrounding the attacking move could be assessed.
An on-field review would have given the referee an opportunity to examine Fernández’s position, his attempt to play the ball and whether his involvement affected the play.
The failure to recommend such a review is now at the centre of the controversy.
For Manchester United supporters, the admission is particularly significant because the disputed decision came in a match decided by a single goal.
Manchester United Contacted Over Officiating Error
Pro Ref have reportedly contacted Manchester United directly to acknowledge the error.
The development comes after the club suffered a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford, with Haaland’s goal ultimately separating the two sides.
Although the acknowledgement does not change the result of the Manchester Derby, it provides an official recognition that the VAR process could have been handled differently.
A review of the incident will now take place as the relevant authorities examine how the decision was reached and why an on-field review was not recommended.
Fresh VAR Debate After Manchester Derby Controversy
The incident is likely to fuel another debate over VAR and Premier League refereeing.
VAR was introduced to help officials make more accurate decisions in important matches, particularly in situations involving goals, penalties and offside calls.
However, incidents such as the Haaland goal continue to raise questions about how VAR officials interpret subjective elements of an attacking move.
While technology can establish whether a player is in an offside position, determining whether another offside player has interfered with play can involve a significant element of judgement.
That appears to have been the central issue in this particular incident.
Pro Ref’s admission could therefore have wider implications beyond the Manchester Derby, particularly as officials continue to face pressure to make VAR interventions consistent and transparent.
Haaland Winner Leaves Manchester Derby Under Spotlight
For Manchester City, Haaland’s goal secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Manchester United and gave Pep Guardiola’s side bragging rights in the latest Manchester Derby.
For United, however, the narrow defeat has been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the goal.
The fact that Pro Ref have now admitted an error of judgement is certain to increase discussion among Manchester United supporters and football fans generally.
The result remains unchanged, but the acknowledgement means the goal that decided the match will now be remembered not only for its impact on the scoreline but also for the VAR controversy surrounding it.
As the review gets underway, attention will be focused on what lessons Premier League officials can take from the incident and whether changes will be made to the way similar situations are assessed in future matches.
For now, the Haaland goal remains at the centre of a growing Manchester Derby controversy — one that has moved beyond social media debate after Pro Ref officially acknowledged that VAR should have taken a different approach.
Reporters at Large will continue to follow developments on the Manchester United vs Manchester City controversy, Erling Haaland, VAR decisions and the latest Premier League news.
