Referees' Body Admits Error in Haaland Derby Goal

Overview

• The Manchester derby finished 1–0 to Manchester City when Erling Haaland scored the only goal at Old Trafford, with the match played on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
• The goal was initially flagged offside but VAR overturned the call on the basis that Enzo Fernández did not touch the ball, which led to the goal standing.
• Pro Ref, the Association of Professional Referees, said late on Sunday that VAR failed to recognise Fernández's probable impact on the play and that officials should have recommended an on-field review.
• Pro Ref said it has contacted Manchester United to acknowledge an 'error of judgment' and announced an internal analysis of the incident; the match result and Phil Foden's red card remain unchanged.
• Manchester United staff voiced strong criticism of the decision, saying it felt unjust, and the episode raises fresh questions about how the Premier League defines and applies 'interfering with play' in offside VAR reviews.