The Premier League refereeing body Pro Ref has admitted an "error of judgement" in awarding Erling Haaland's Manchester City winner against Manchester United
As City celebrated a remarkable derby victory over Manchester United, there were questions as to whether Haaland's winning goal should have stood in a match fraught with controversy. The striker scored in the 60th minute at Old Trafford, turning home at the back post from Josko Gvardiol's cross before it was disallowed on the field for offside.
Following intervention from the video assistant referee, the goal was awarded - the Norwegian ruled to have been played onside by Patrick Dorgu's boot. But there was debate as to whether the offside Enzo Fernandez, diving at the ball in a more central position than Haaland, was interfering with play.
In a statement, Pro Ref said: "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."
United defender Lisandro Martinez said it was an "injustice" while boss Michael Carrick said he was "confused" by the decision. The goal came after City had gone down to 10 men in the first half when Phil Foden was shown a straight red card for kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes.
Foden was dismissed by referee Michael Oliver on 23 minutes after kicking the midriff of Fernandes while he was on the turf. When Haaland's goal was ruled out as offside on the field, few questioned the decision as the City striker looked to have drifted beyond United's defensive line.
The lines drawn by the VAR showed Haaland to be onside thanks to Dorgu's boot. But it was the positioning and involvement of Fernandez that left many pundits astounded and unsure if it was a legitimate goal. Gvardiol's cross took a slight deflection off the boot of Dorgu before finding its way to Haaland at the back post, while Fernandez was clearly attempting a diving header in the middle of the six-yard box but he did not touch the ball.
Fernandez appeared to be in an offside position, ahead of Dorgu's boot, but VAR deemed it to be a legitimate goal as he did not touch the ball while United defender Martinez was also closing in.
The Premier League Match Centre said on X: "VAR checked the referee's call of no goal for offside - and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded. The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn't play the ball."