Manchester United have received a formal apology over the hugely controversial decision to allow Erling Haaland‘s derby winner to stand after referees’ chiefs admitted it was a mistake
Manchester City overcame Phil Foden’s 23rd-minute red card for kicking Bruno Fernandes to beat United 1-0 courtesy of Haaland’s contentious second-half goal at Old Trafford.
United defender Lisandro Martínez was positioned between Enzo Fernández and Haaland when City’s Argentinian midfielder launched himself towards the ball in an attempt to meet Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross off Patrick Dorgu with a diving header.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside but, after a lengthy VAR review lasting more than three minutes, it was determined that Haaland was onside and that Fernández, despite standing in an offside position, had not played the ball.
Martínez branded it an “injustice” and ripped into the match officials over an “unacceptable mistake”.
Now it has emerged Pro Ref, the body responsible for Premier League refereeing, contacted United officials on Sunday night to acknowledge “an error of judgment” had been made and a review had been launched.
A Pro Ref spokesperson said: “Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland’s awarded goal.
“The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.
“In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernández did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”
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