Overview
- The match-defining sequence saw Erling Haaland score a goal that was initially ruled out for offside then awarded after a VAR review, a decision that decided the 1-0 Manchester derby on Sunday.
- Pro Referees publicly said the VAR did not recognise the probable impact of Enzo Fernández’s offside position, called the mistake an “error of judgment,” and announced it will review the incident and has contacted Manchester United to acknowledge the error.
- Video and match reports show Fernández was clearly in an offside position and lunged to head the ball but did not make contact before Haaland scored, creating the subjective question of whether his movement influenced United’s defence.
- Under IFAB’s Rule 11, a player can be penalised for offside without touching the ball if they attempt to play or impact an opponent, and Pro Referees said that subjectivity meant the VAR should have recommended an on-field review of the play.
- The result and Haaland’s goal remain unchanged, City kept its perfect start while playing much of the match with ten men after Phil Foden’s early red card, and the admission has heightened scrutiny of offside interpretation and VAR procedure ahead of Pro Referees’ internal review.