Referee body admits 'error' for Haaland goal in Manchester derby

Professional Game Referees (Pro Ref) admitted on Sunday that the decision allowing Erling Haaland's goal in Manchester City's 1-0 win over Manchester United was an error of judgment. With City playing with 10 men following Phil Foden's red card for kicking Bruno Fernandes, Haaland scored the winning goal in the 60th minute. Initially, the goal was disallowed for offside against Haaland, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) later overturned that decision.

Despite Fernandez being in an offside position and not attempting to play the ball, Haaland was deemed onside by the VAR. However, Pro Ref later stated that the VAR did not consider the potential impact of Fernandez's position and should have recommended an on-field review. The Premier League Match Centre had already reported that the VAR determined Haaland was in a legitimate onside position.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick expressed concern over the officials' decision, labeling it "worrying." United defender Lisandro Martinez, who was closest to Haaland, called the goal an "injustice," stating that Fernandez's presence allowed Haaland to be unmarked. Martinez added that such mistakes in the Premier League are unacceptable and that the team must accept this injustice.