Refereeing body Pro Ref has admitted an error in awarding Manchester City’s winner at Manchester United in their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday.
In a statement released hours after the match as reported by Sky Sport, Pro Ref said it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge an “error of judgment” and that VAR “should have recommended an on-field review” for Erling Haaland’s 60th-minute goal.
How the Goal Was Awarded
Haaland’s strike was initially disallowed for offside on the pitch before VAR overturned the decision.
VAR officials determined that Haaland was played onside by United defender Patrick Dorgu. However, City’s Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before it reached Haaland.
Despite not touching the ball, Fernandez’s movement appeared to impact United’s Lisandro Martinez before Haaland’s back-post finish. By the laws of the game, that interference should have led to the goal remaining disallowed.
Pro Ref Statement and Explanation
A Pro Ref spokesperson said: “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 Premier League Match Centre on X defended the decision, stating VAR deemed Fernandez “didn’t play the ball.” But the offside law states a player can be penalised for interfering with an opponent without touching the ball, including by obstructing vision or making an action that impacts an opponent’s ability to play.
Reaction from Pundits
Former City defender Micah Richards dismissed the explanation as “nonsense.” Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “How you can not say Enzo Fernandez is challenging for the ball – of course he is! I’ve been in that position as a defender where any slight movement can make the difference… I just think they’ve got it so wrong.”
Roy Keane added: “Fernandez is interfering with play. Basically, United have been punished for holding a good line. When you are in that position, you are impacting the game. You’re in the middle of the box, you’re going for the ball.”
Pro Ref, formerly known as PGMO, is English football’s refereeing body. The organization, led by former Premier League referee Howard Webb, oversees match officials in the four men’s top divisions, the National League, the WSL and Premier League 2.
