Overview
- The decisive goal by Erling Haaland was allowed after VAR overruled referee Michael Oliver, even though Manchester City forward Enzo Fernández was in an offside position and affected play.
- The referees' commission publicly acknowledged the decision was wrong and opened an investigation into the handling of the offside check.
- Video officials Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus have been removed from match duties and will not return to assignments until after the international break.
- Refereeing chief Howard Webb said he was “really disappointed,” confirmed the league had contacted Manchester United, and promised to analyse the error and draw lessons to reduce similar mistakes.
- The case highlights how hard it is to judge whether an offside player 'actively' influences play and raises the prospect of changes to VAR practice, training or protocols that the commission may announce after its review.