Refereeing Body Apologises to Manchester United After Controversial Decision
Professional Game Referees (Pro Ref) admitted on Sunday that the decision to allow Erling Haaland’s winner in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United was an “error of judgement.”
With City down to 10 men after Phil Foden’s dismissal for kicking Bruno Fernandes, Haaland netted on the hour mark with a close-range finish from Josko Gvardiol’s cross.
The goal was initially disallowed for offside against Haaland but VAR eventually overturned that decision, even though City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and attempted to reach the ball before the Norwegian forward. Fernandez did not touch the ball so the goal was given, allowing Haaland to celebrate his ninth league strike in Manchester derbies.
Premier League Match Centre’s Initial Explanation
Premier League Match Centre posted on social media after the goal to say the VAR “determined that Haaland was in an onside position” and “deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball.”
Pro Ref’s Admission
However, Pro Ref later on Sunday came out to say that the VAR “did not recognise the likely impact” of the Argentine midfielder’s 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 statement added.
The refereeing body’s full statement read: “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.”
Carrick: ‘Worrying’ Decision
After the match, United manager Michael Carrick said it was “worrying” that a team of officials had come to the conclusion that Haaland’s goal should stand.
“If that’s the interpretation of not interfering in the game now, that’s really worrying for me. It’s a staggering explanation,” Carrick said. “I just don’t get it. I really don’t get it. I can’t understand how they’re trying to help referees and putting so many layers behind them with so many people, so many bodies, so many screens, and so many whatever offices they are to try and come up with the right decisions.”
Martinez Brands Goal an ‘Injustice’
Lisandro Martinez was the United defender at the centre of the controversy. The Argentine said he was clearly impacted by the presence of his international teammate Fernandez and branded the City goal an “injustice.”
“I went to him because he was in front of me. That’s why Haaland was free at the back,” Martinez told Sky Sports. “Five or six people (officials) doing this kind of mistake in the Premier League is unacceptable. We have to go home with this injustice.”
Martinez explained that he moved towards Fernandez because the City midfielder was attempting to play the ball, which directly affected his ability to mark Haaland. “I think [Fernandez] was offside. And what I can’t understand is the rules, you know? He was there! I went to him because he was there in front of me. That’s why Haaland was free at the back [post].”
Why the Decision Was Wrong
According to IFAB Law 11, which covers offside, a player is offside if they “clearly attempt to play a ball which is close when this action impacts on an opponent” or “challenge an opponent for the ball.”
Fernandez was in the centre of the goal, in United’s six-yard box, flinging his body forward in an attempt to head Gvardiol’s cross. He occupied a space where Martinez had to track his run, and United goalkeeper Senne Lammens had to anticipate his connecting with the ball. Even though Fernandez did not touch the ball, his actions impacted the defenders’ ability to play the ball.
As BBC Sport analysis noted, the VAR should have sent referee Michael Oliver to the monitor for the subjective offence by Fernandez. It would have created an odd situation where a disallowed goal was reviewed to remain ruled out, but this is what should have happened.
What Happens Next
The incident will now be reviewed by Pro Ref, and the admission of error will do little to change the outcome of the match or the points. For Manchester United, the sense of injustice will linger, particularly given the impact the decision had on the game’s decisive moment.