{
  "id": 7171060,
  "title": "VAR made ‘error of judgement’ to allow Erling Haaland’s Manchester derby winner, confirms Pro Ref",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/var-made-error-of-judgement-to-allow-erling-haalands-manchester-derby",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-13T20:54:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/error-judgement-allow-erling-haaland-203256332.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Premier League's semi-automated offside technology allowed Erling Haaland's Manchester derby winner against Manchester United to stand, despite the striker initially being ruled offside. VAR intervened after a lengthy check and determined that Haaland was in line with Patrick Dorgu's foot when he scored the goal. Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez criticized the decision as an \"injustice\" and claimed that Enzo Fernandez, who was also in an offside position, interfered with play and should have been reviewed. Pro Ref has now admitted an \"error of judgement\" in awarding the goal, stating that while Haaland was found to be in an onside position, the VAR should have recognized the likely impact of Fernandez's position and recommended an on-field review.",
  "summary": "Haaland’s goal was given despite Enzo Fernandez appearing to interfere with play from an offside position",
  "key_points": [
    "Erling Haaland's goal stands despite initial offside call",
    "VAR admits error of judgement in awarding goal",
    "Lisandro Martinez criticizes decision as injustice"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Haaland goal gives 10-man Manchester City derby win over United",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/haaland-goal-gives-10-man-manchester-city-derby-win-over-united",
        "published": "2026-09-13T17:41:37.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "FULL LIST: Top 10 scorers in Manchester derby history",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/full-list-top-10-scorers-in-manchester-derby-history",
        "published": "2026-09-13T19:52:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}