Error Admitted! Referee Reveals TrutVAR Erh Behind Haaland’s Controversial Derby Winner

The Professional Refereeing body has admitted an “error of judgement” in the VAR process that led to Erling Haaland’s winning goal during Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

According to Ireporter Online, Haaland scored in the 60th minute to give Manchester City victory in a dramatic Manchester derby, despite City having been reduced to 10 men following Phil Foden’s dismissal for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.

The goal was initially ruled out for offside before VAR intervened and overturned the decision after determining that Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu had played Haaland onside.

However, controversy emerged because City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and appeared to have an influence on the play as the ball travelled across the penalty area towards Haaland.

The refereeing body subsequently acknowledged that VAR should have recommended an on-field review by referee Michael Oliver to determine whether Fernandez’s position had affected the play.

In a statement addressing the incident, the body explained that Haaland was correctly deemed to be in an onside position following the VAR check. However, it said Fernandez’s position created a subjective question over whether an offside offence had occurred.

The statement added that VAR failed to recognise the likely impact of Fernandez’s position and should therefore have advised Oliver to review the incident on the pitch.

The refereeing body also confirmed that it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge what it described as an “error of judgement” and said the incident would be reviewed.

The controversial decision added to a dramatic derby that had already been overshadowed by Foden’s red card.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca accepted that Foden deserved to be sent off but argued that Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes should also have received a red card for his role in the incident.

Maresca said he had reviewed the incident immediately after Foden’s dismissal and believed the City player’s reaction warranted a red card. However, he argued that Fernandes’ actions during the same confrontation also deserved the same punishment.

The latest admission is expected to further fuel debate surrounding VAR and the officiating decisions that shaped Sunday’s fiercely contested Manchester derby.