Pro Ref, the body overseeing Premier League officiating, conceded on Sunday evening that it made an “error of judgment” during Manchester City’s controversial 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Pro Ref Admits Crucial Error in Manchester Derby as Haaland Seals City Win
The admission offers little solace to United, who fell to a bitter defeat after Erling Haaland’s second-half strike.
The flashpoint arrived in the 60th minute when the on-field decision initially disallowed Haaland’s goal for offside.
Following a VAR review, officials overturned the call, awarding the goal.
United’s players erupted in protest, arguing that City midfielder Enzo Fernandez, positioned in an offside spot, interfered with play by diving to head the ball before it reached Haaland at the far post.
Pro Ref later acknowledged that the VAR “did not recognize the likely impact” of Fernandez’s positioning and “should have recommended an on-field review.” The governing body contacted United to accept the error.
United defender Lisandro Martinez branded the decision an “injustice,” while manager Michael Carrick expressed deep frustration.
“I just don’t get it,” Carrick said.
“It’s worrying if that’s how the game is seen by those officiating.” Asked whether he expected an apology, Carrick replied,
“I look forward to that.”
The acknowledgment arrived swiftly, but too late to alter the result.
The match also featured Phil Foden’s 23rd-minute red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes, leaving City to battle with ten men.
Despite the numerical advantage, United struck the post twice through Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo but failed to equalize.
City manager Enzo Maresca praised his players’ “spirit and togetherness,” calling the win “fantastic.”
Haaland’s goal made him the outright top scorer in Premier League Manchester derbies with nine, surpassing Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero.
City now sits level on points with Arsenal at the top, while United languishes in 13th with just one win from four games.
