VAR got Haaland offside call wrong in Manchester derby, admits ref’s body

Manchester City's Erling Haaland was awarded a goal by VAR after the linesman had initially flagged for offside during the derby against Manchester United. | Photo Credit: Reuters

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was wrong to grant Manchester City’s Erling Haaland his winning goal in the derby against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, ​refereeing body Pro Ref said in ⁠a statement.

Haaland found space at the far post near the hour mark to turn in a cross from Anthoine Semenyo and was initially flagged offside by the linesman.

However, the VAR failed to take into account the action of Enzo Fernandez, who dove to head the ball before it reached the Norwegian striker, therefore interfering with play.

“The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland — ​that was checked ‌by VAR, and he was found to be in an onside position,” the statement said.

“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.

“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem to be an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”

United boss Michael Carrick lamented the call at the end of the game, leaving his side with just four points after four matches this season.

“I just don’t get it, I really don’t get ⁠it, I can’t understand how we’re trying to ⁠help referees, putting so many layers behind them, so many people, bodies ‌and screens, and they can’t make the right decision,” he said.