Officiating body Pro Ref acknowledged an error of judgement regarding Erling Haaland’s winning goal in the Manchester derby, which should have been reviewed on-field.
Key facts
- •Pro Ref confirmed it contacted Manchester United to acknowledge an error of judgement regarding the 60th-minute goal.
- •The VAR decided Enzo Fernández was not interfering with play despite Lisandro Martínez marking him.
- •Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca stated he believed Bruno Fernandes should have also received a red card during the match.
- •Manchester United has 4 points and sits 13th in the league, while Manchester City has 12 points.
- •The club reported 685 accounts were banned and 464 supporters received sanctions or warnings regarding ticket touting.
Pro Ref has admitted that Erling Haaland’s 60th-minute goal during Sunday’s Manchester derby between Manchester United and Manchester City should not have been allowed. The officiating body confirmed it has contacted Manchester United to acknowledge an error of judgement after the video assistant referee (VAR) failed to recommend an on-field review regarding Enzo Fernández’s positioning.
By the numbers
The Officiating Error
The goal occurred after a cross from Josko Gvardiol passed Fernández and Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez before Haaland scored. While the on-field decision was initially offside, VAR determined Haaland was onside and that Fernández was not interfering with play. Pro Ref later stated that the VAR did not recognize the likely impact of Fernández’s position and should have recommended an on-field review.
Managerial Reactions
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick expressed frustration with the decision, stating he could not understand how the rule regarding interference was interpreted. Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca maintained that Fernández was not interfering. During the same match, City’s Phil Foden received a red card for kicking Bruno Fernandes, an action Maresca described as a clear red card while suggesting the United captain should have also been sent off for his preceding involvement.
Club Context and Protests
Following the match, Manchester United sits 13th in the league with four points, while Manchester City has 12 points. The game also featured fan protests regarding the club's actions against ticket touts, with supporters displaying a banner reading, “The Way You Treat Us Is A Disgrace.” The club recently reported that 685 accounts have been banned and 464 supporters received warnings or reduced sanctions.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian Sport.
