Referees admit VAR error on Erling Haaland's derby winner, tell me about this news in (https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/referees-admit-var-error-on-erling-haalands-derby-winner/)

14-09-2026

The article reports on the controversial outcome of the 199th Manchester derby, in which Manchester City defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford courtesy of a 60th-minute goal from Erling Haaland.Here are the key details from the report:• The Controversy: Haaland’s goal was initially flagged offside on the field. However, after a VAR review, the on-field decision was overturned and the goal was awarded. Manchester United players and staff were furious because City’s Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position during the attack. While the Premier League initially defended the goal on the grounds that Fernandez did not touch the ball when diving for a header, football rules state that clearly attempting to play the ball or challenging an opponent from an offside position constitutes interference with play.• Official Admission of Error: Following the match, the refereeing body overseeing Premier League fixtures (Pro Ref) issued a statement acknowledging an “error of judgment.” They confirmed that the VAR failed to recognize the impact of Fernandez’s position on United defender Lisandro Martinez and should have recommended an on-field review to the referee. The organization also reached out to Manchester United directly to formally admit the mistake.• Reactions: Manchester United manager Michael Carrick described the decision as “worrying” and perplexing, while Martinez labeled the goal an “injustice.”• Match Context: The result was especially bitter for United because City had been reduced to 10 men in the 23rd minute after Phil Foden was sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes. Despite the numerical advantage, United hit the post twice and failed to find an equalizer. The victory maintained a 100% winning start to the season for City under Enzo Maresca, while Haaland’s strike made him the outright top Premier League goalscorer in Manchester derby history with nine goals.


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