Pro Ref Admits VAR Blunder as Haaland Goal Hands Man City Derby Win

Professional Game Referees (Pro Ref) have admitted a VAR error in allowing Erling Haaland’s controversial winning goal against Manchester United, adding fresh fuel to the fallout from Sunday’s Manchester derby.

Manchester City secured a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, but the match has been overshadowed by a refereeing decision that the officiating body now acknowledges should have been handled differently.

Haaland’s 60th-minute goal initially appeared to have been ruled out for offside before VAR intervened. The Norwegian striker was eventually allowed to score after the review determined that he was in an onside position. However, the involvement of Enzo Fernández became the major talking point.

Fernández was in an offside position and attempted to play the ball without making contact. Pro Ref acknowledged that the Argentine’s position could have had an impact on the incident and that VAR 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,” In a statement, Pro Ref said in a statement.

The body also explained that Fernández’s failure to play the ball meant the potential offside offence was subjective, but VAR failed to recognise the likely impact of his position.

The admission has raised fresh questions about the consistency of VAR decisions and the standard of officiating in the Premier League.

The controversial decision left Manchester United frustrated after the club had battled to contain their neighbours. The defeat was compounded by the fact that the goal proved decisive, with City leaving Old Trafford with all three points.

For Manchester United, the late acknowledgment from Pro Ref will do little to ease the disappointment of losing a derby that was ultimately decided by a moment of controversy.

Manchester City, meanwhile, will take the victory, but the spotlight remains firmly on the officials after Pro Ref admitted that Haaland’s goal should have been subjected to a further review.