‘Error of judgement’ to allow Erling Haaland’s Manchester derby winner

Manchester City’s controversial derby winner against Manchester United on Sunday should not have stood, refereeing body Pro Ref has confirmed.

Erling Haaland’s goal on the hour-mark earned the 10-man visitors a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford after Phil Foden was sent off early in the first half of the Premier League clash.

Haaland was initially ruled to be offside when he tucked in Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross from the left wing to put City ahead, before VAR intervened to allow the goal to stand, deeming Haaland in line with Patrick Dorgu’s foot.

Enzo Fernandez, however, was in an offside position and appeared to interfere with play by making an attempt to latch onto the ball. The Premier League Match Centre said the fact Fernandez did not get a touch on the ball meant the goal stood, something which challenging Man United defender Lisandro Martinez branded as an “injustice”.

Mere hours after the conclusion of the game, Pro Ref has admitted an “error of judgement” in awarding the goal.

A Pro Ref spokesperson said: “Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland’s awarded goal.

“The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.

“In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.

“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”

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