Why Erling Haaland's goal should have been ruled out vs Manchester United?
(Courtesy : Getty)
PRO ref release statement following Haaland’s winner vs the Red Devils.
The Premier League referees’ authority, Pro Ref, has apologised to Manchester United for conceding that the VAR decided Erling Haaland’s winning goal in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory by “error.”
Haaland scored in the 60th minute at Old Trafford, capitalising on Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross at the far post.
However, despite the assistant referee’s signal for offside, VAR Matthew Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus reversed the judgement, claiming that City player Enzo Fernández didn’t appear active and was meddling with the ball in the penalty area.
United manager Michael Carrick described the judgement as “worrying,” while defender Lisandro Martínez, who pushed Fernández for the ball, branded it “injustice.”
Premier League Pro Ref apologises for VAR mistake in Manchester Derby
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Pro Ref has now confirmed the blunder, which is likely to be considered the largest VAR error since its inception in 2019.
“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,” 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 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.”
The outcome ensures City and Arsenal are the only Premier League sides with maximum points after four matches, while United is in 13th place with one victory, one draw, and two defeats.
Why did Premier League Pro Ref apologise to Manchester United?
It was because Haaland’s goal was awarded as an ‘error of judgement.’
Who won the Manchester derby?
City won the game 1-0.
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