Professional match referees (Pro Ref) admitted on Sunday that the decision to allow Erling Haaland's goal, which gave Manchester City a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford during the Manchester derby, was a 'judgment error'.
Haaland's goal was scored in the hour mark after Phil Foden was sent off for a Bruno Fernandes tackle. The goal resulted from a close shot following a cross by Josko Gvardiol.
Initially, the goal was disallowed due to Haaland's offside, but the VAR system ultimately overturned this decision. At the time, City midfielder Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and attempted to reach the ball before the Norwegian forward.
Since Fernandez did not touch the ball, the goal stood, allowing Haaland to score his ninth goal in Premier League Manchester derbies. After the goal, Premier League Match Centre published a social media statement stating that VAR 'determined that Haaland was in a line of play position' and 'concluded that Fernandez, being offside, did not play the ball.'
However, later on Sunday, Pro Ref stated that VAR 'did not recognize the probable influence' of the Argentine midfielder's position and 'should have recommended an on-field review.' The statement also read: 'Contact was made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we consider a judgment error. An analysis of the incident will be conducted.'
After the game, United manager Michael Carrick expressed concern that the group of officials concluded that Haaland's goal should stand. The focus of the dispute was United defender Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentine stated that he was clearly affected by the presence of his teammate, international player Fernandez, and called the goal an 'injustice.' Martinez told Sky Sports: 'I approached him because he was in front of me. That's why Haaland was free behind.' He added: 'It is unacceptable when five or six people (officials) make such a mistake in the Premier League. We must leave home with this injustice.'