Refs admit error on Erling Haaland winner against Man United, tell me about this news in (https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/refs-admit-error-on-erling-haaland-winner-against-man-united/)
14-09-2026
Based on the article from CBS Sports, here are the key details regarding the referees admitting an error on Erling Haaland’s winning goal against Manchester United:The IncidentDuring the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, Manchester City secured a 1-0 victory over Manchester United courtesy of a 60th-minute goal from Erling Haaland.The goal was initially flagged offside on the field. However, after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, the on-field decision was overturned and the goal was awarded.Why United ProtestedManchester United players and staff were furious because City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was standing in an offside position during the buildup. Although Fernandez dived to head the ball and challenged defender Lisandro Martinez, he did not make contact before the ball reached Haaland at the far post.Under the IFAB Laws of the Game, a player in an offside position commits an offence if they interfere with play by “clearly attempting to play a ball” or “challenging an opponent for the ball.”The Refereeing Body’s AdmissionFollowing the match, the refereeing body overseeing Premier League fixtures acknowledged an “error of judgment.” They confirmed that the VAR failed to recognize the clear impact of Fernandez’s positioning and actions, stating that the VAR should have recommended an on-field review for the referee. Officials also reached out directly to Manchester United to formally acknowledge the mistake.Reactions and Match Context
- Manchester United: Manager Michael Carrick expressed disbelief, calling the decision worrying, while defender Lisandro Martinez described the allowed goal as an “injustice.”
- Match Dynamics: Manchester City played most of the match with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes. Despite hitting the woodwork twice, United could not find an equalizer.
- Haaland’s Milestone: The strike stood as Haaland’s 9th Premier League goal in Manchester derbies, breaking the previous record of 8 shared by Wayne Rooney and Sergio Agüero.