{
  "id": 7219956,
  "title": "Pro Ref admits error of judgment over controversial Haaland winner against United",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/pro-ref-admits-error-of-judgment-over-controversial-haaland-winner",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T01:23:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/sports/2026/09/14/pro-ref-admits-error-of-judgment-over-controversial-haaland-winner-against-united/235095"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Professional Game Referees (Pro Ref) has acknowledged an \"error of judgment\" in allowing Erling Haaland's goal during Manchester City's 1-0 victory over Manchester United. The goal, scored by Haaland on the hour mark, was initially disallowed for offside but later overturned by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) following a review. Despite the offside call being deemed incorrect, Pro Ref later stated that the VAR \"did not recognize the likely impact\" of Enzo Fernandez's position, and should have recommended an on-field review. Manchester United manager Michael Carrick expressed worry over the decision, while Lisandro Martinez, the United defender involved, branded the goal an \"injustice\". United defender told Sky Sports that his international teammate's presence affected his ability to defend, leading him to concede the goal. Pro Ref has contacted Manchester United to acknowledge the mistake and initiate a review of the incident.",
  "summary": "LONDON, Sept 14 — Professional Game Referees (Pro Ref) admitted yesterday that the decision to allow Erling H...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC News",
        "title": "Was Haaland's winner a VAR error? Man Utd fury at 'injustice'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/was-haalands-winner-a-var-error-man-utd-fury-at-injustice",
        "published": "2026-09-13T19:13:19.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "EPL: Ref body admits error over Haaland winner against Man United",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/epl-ref-body-admits-error-over-haaland-winner-against-man-united",
        "published": "2026-09-13T21:24:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Referees body admits 'error of judgment' after Haaland goal against Man United",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/referees-body-admits-error-of-judgment-after-haaland-goal-against-man",
        "published": "2026-09-14T01:29:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}