By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has acknowledged an “error of judgement” in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) process that led to Erling Haaland’s goal being awarded in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The admission has reignited debate over VAR and the decision-making process behind one of the defining moments of the Manchester derby.
Haaland scored in the 60th minute to give City the lead after latching on to a pass and sending a low finish beyond Manchester United goalkeeper. The goal survived a VAR check after the initial on-field decision had been offside.
However, according to an official clarification issued after the match, the on-field decision was indeed offside against Haaland, but VAR reviewed the incident and determined that the City striker was in an onside position.
The controversy centred on what happened earlier in the same attacking move.
PGMOL explained that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball, meaning that determining whether an offside offence occurred became a subjective decision based on the circumstances of the play.
The refereeing body said the VAR official failed to recognise the likely impact of Fernandez’s position and, as a result, should have recommended that referee Michael Oliver conduct an on-field review.
PGMOL subsequently contacted Manchester United to acknowledge what it described as an “error of judgement.”
“A review of the incident will take place,” the refereeing body said.
The development adds a significant post-match twist to a derby that City won despite playing more than an hour with 10 men following Phil Foden’s dismissal in the 23rd minute.
United had been unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage and created several opportunities before and after Haaland’s goal.
Marcus Rashford hit the post with a free-kick shortly before half-time, while Kobbie Mainoo also struck the woodwork early in the second half. Bryan Mbeumo was denied by a late save from City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in stoppage time.
Haaland’s goal ultimately proved decisive, but the subsequent PGMOL admission means the incident will now form a major part of the post-match discussion.
