{
  "id": 7790992,
  "title": "Maresca defends VAR after controversial derby winner against United",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/maresca-defends-var-after-controversial-derby-winner-against-united",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-16T12:45:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/09/1534249/maresca-defends-var-after-controversial-derby-winner-against-united"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca expressed support for VAR officials after his team's controversial 1-0 win against Manchester United. Haaland scored a disputed winner in the 60th minute, initially flagged offside but deemed onside by VAR. Pro Ref admitted an error of judgment and recommended an on-field review. Maresca praised the officials' quick decisions despite the mistakes, noting that it's challenging for them to make accurate calls within 10-20 seconds. He also reflected on a similar incident during his time as Guardiola's assistant in 2022/23, where Man United scored an offside goal against him without apology. Maresca reiterated his disappointment with the focus on the offside goal and emphasized the team's performance, particularly playing the match with 10 men.",
  "summary": "LONDON: Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca on Wednesday expressed sympathy for VAR officials after his team benefited from a clear error in their 1-0 win against Manchester United.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport Football",
        "title": "Maresca criticises focus on controversial winner",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/maresca-criticises-focus-on-controversial-winner",
        "published": "2026-09-16T11:07:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}