VAR admits error in reviewing Haaland's Manchester derby winner
VAR officials failed to assess Enzo Fernandez's off-side interference in Erling Haaland's disputed goal, and the officials have been suspended.
In the aftermath of Sunday's Manchester derby, Howard Webb revealed that the VAR panel missed checking whether Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez interfered from an off-side position during Erling Haaland's winning strike. While Haaland was correctly judged on-side by a margin of three centimetres, the officials became overly fixated on that detail and did not evaluate Fernandez's impact on defender Lisandro Martinez and goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The Premier League's refereeing body, Pro Ref, labeled the oversight an "error of judgement" and suspended VAR Matt Donohue and assistant Blake Antrobus for the upcoming fixtures. Webb expressed disappointment, noting the officials' pride and the need for accountability, and confirmed that Manchester United has been shown the audio and footage. He added that a full review will be conducted after the international break.
Why it matters
The mistake highlights potential flaws in VAR procedures that could affect future match outcomes.
How this story developed
- Sep 13 Phil Foden receives red card after kicking Bruno Fernandes in Manchester derby
- Sep 14 The match is still tied 0-0 at the break.
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