Pro Ref, the Premier League referees’ body, has apologized to Manchester United after admitting the VAR awarded Erling Haaland‘s winning goal in Manchester City‘s 1-0 win by “error.”
Haaland was awarded the goal in the 60th minute at Old Trafford after scoring from Josko Gvardiol‘s deflected cross at the far post.
But despite the assistant referee flagging for offside, VAR Matthew Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus overruled the decision by stating that City midfielder Enzo Fernández was not active and interfering with play in the middle of the penalty area.
United manager Michael Carrick called the decision “worrying,” while defender Lisandro Martínez, who challenged Fernández for the ball, called it an “injustice.”
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And Pro Ref has now admitted the mistake in what is likely to be regarded as the biggest VAR error since its introduction in 2019.
“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,” 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.
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“In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernández 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.”
ESPN has contacted United for comment.
The result means City join Arsenal as the only Premier League teams with maximum points from four games, while United lie in 13th with one win, one draw and two defeats.
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