Referee body admits ‘error’ for Haaland goal in Manchester derby

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Manchester City’s Norwegian striker #09 Erling Haaland celebrates scoring the team’s first goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on September 13, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /

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Professional Game Referees (Pro Ref) admitted Sunday that the decision to allow Erling Haaland’s winner in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United was an “error of judgment”.

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With City down to 10 men after Phil Foden’s dismissal for kicking Bruno Fernandes, Haaland netted on the hour mark with a close-range finish from Josko Gvardiol’s cross.

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The goal was initially disallowed for offside against Haaland but VAR eventually overturned that decision, even though City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and attempted to reach the ball before the Norwegian forward.

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Fernandez did not touch the ball so the goal was given, allowing Haaland to celebrate his ninth league strike in Manchester derbies.

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Premier League Match Centre posted on social media after the goal to say the VAR “determined that Haaland was in an onside position” and “deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball”.

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However, Pro Ref later on Sunday came out to say that the VAR “did not recognise the likely impact” of the Argentine midfielder’s position and “should have recommended an on-field review”.

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“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgment. A review of the incident will take place,” the statement added.

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After the match, United manager Michael Carrick said it was “worrying” that a team of officials had come to the conclusion that Haaland’s goal should stand.

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Lisandro Martinez was the United defender at the centre of the controversy.

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The Argentine said he was clearly impacted by the presence of his international teammate Fernandez and branded the City goal an “injustice”.

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“I went to him because he was in front of me. That’s why Haaland was free at the back,” Martinez told Sky Sports.

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“Five or six people (officials) doing this kind of mistake in the Premier League is unacceptable.

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“We have to go home with this injustice.”

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