The governing body of Premier League referees admitted an “error of judgment” after Erling Haaland’s hotly contested goal settled the 199th Manchester derby on Sunday.
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That will be of little comfort to Manchester United after a 1-0 defeat to 10-man Manchester City at Old Trafford.
United was enraged after VAR awarded Haaland his winning strike in the 60th minute.
At first, the goal was ruled out for offside, but after VAR review, the onfield decision was overturned, sparking a roar of celebration from the away fans, including Oasis’ Noel Gallagher.
United’s players were incensed because City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position during the buildup. The Premier League said the goal was allowed because, despite diving to head the ball, the Argentine did not get a touch before it reached Haaland at the far post.
However, soccer rules state a player is interfering with play when “clearly attempting to play a ball” or “challenging an opponent for the ball.”
‘Error of judgment’
The refereeing body that oversees Premier League matches, Pro Ref, said Sunday evening that the VAR “did not recognize the likely impact” of Fernandez’s position and “should have recommended an onfield review.”
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Pro Ref said it had made contact with United to acknowledge an “error of judgment” relating to the winning goal.
United defender Lisandro Martinez, who was challenging Fernandez, had called the goal an “injustice” and coach Michael Carrick was also perplexed.
“I just don’t get it, I really don’t get it,” he said. “It’s worrying, it really is if that’s how the game is seen by those who are officiating.”
Asked at the time if he thought he would get a better explanation from the referee’s governing body or even an apology, Carrick said, “I look forward to that.”
While acknowledgement of the error came soon afterward, it was too late to prevent United falling to a second defeat of the season after four games.
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