Pro Ref has admitted an error of judgement in awarding Manchester City’s winning goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford, after Erling Haaland’s effort was initially ruled out for offside.
The on-field decision was overturned by VAR in the 1-0 victory, with officials concluding that Haaland had been played onside by United defender Patrick Dorgu.
However, City’s Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he moved towards the ball before it reached Haaland at the back post. Although Fernandez did not touch it, his movement appeared to affect United defender Lisandro Martinez.
Pro Ref said the VAR team should have recognised the likely impact of Fernandez’s position and recommended an on-field review. It has since contacted Manchester United and confirmed that the incident will be reviewed.
Why the Haaland goal was allowed
A Pro Ref spokesperson said: “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 Fernandez 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.”
The Premier League Match Centre had explained that VAR determined Haaland was onside and also judged that Fernandez, despite being in an offside position, had not played the ball.
But the offside law does not require a player to touch the ball before an offence can be committed. A player can be penalised if they interfere with an opponent by obstructing their ability to play the ball, challenging for it or making an action that clearly affects the opponent.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards criticised the decision, arguing that Fernandez was clearly attempting to play the ball and that his movement would have influenced the defending.
“One hundred per cent he is,” Richards said when asked whether Fernandez was clearly attempting to play the ball. “I think it’s been a bad day for referees and VAR.”
Richards added: “How you can not say Enzo Fernandez is challenging for the ball – of course he is! I’ve been in that position as a defender where any slight movement can make the difference for going for the ball or not, so of course it affects him.”
Roy Keane also said Fernandez had interfered with play and that United had been punished despite holding what he described as a good defensive line.
“Fernandez is offside, and he goes to play the ball, so United are getting punished for good defending,” Keane said.
