What is Pro Ref? Referee body that apologised to Manchester United after VAR controversy

Manchester United were dealt a major disappointment on Sunday when they fell to a 1-0 defeat in the Manchester derby.

Local rivals Manchester City snuck away from Old Trafford with all three points thanks to Erling Haaland’s contentious winner that in retrospect, should have been ruled out for offside by VAR.

The Norwegian snuck in at the far post to give Enzo Maresca’s side the lead in the second half, after Phil Foden had seen red for a kick on Bruno Fernandes in the first period.

VAR checked referee Michael Oliver’s on-field decision - which initially had ruled out the strike - before overruling the man in the middle to award the goal.

Enzo Fernandez was the other City player that was thought to be in an offside position, but he was adjudged not to have impacted play despite looking to play the ball with his head in front of compatriot Lisandro Martinez, who was forced to hesitate.

Goal given: Erling Haaland

PA

The ex-England international’s prediction came true, with United handed an official apology later on Sunday evening.

It will not impact the result, however, with Michael Carrick suffering a first derby defeat as a manager, and his side’s second of the league campaign already.

What is Pro Ref?

Pro Ref is the new name for PGMOL, which is the body responsible for referees.

Pro Ref - short for Professional Game Referees - covers the English pyramid, ranging from the Premier League, through the EFL and into FA competitions as well.

Scuffle: Bruno Fernandes and Phil Foden

AFP/Getty

It is funded by a combination of the three playing bodies - the Premier League, EFL and FA - and it was rebranded from PGMOL at the start of the 2026-27 season.

Pro Ref will oversee refereeing decisions and controversies - like in the Manchester derby at the weekend - and explain why VAR and match officials have taken the decisions that they have.

They are headed up by former Premier League referee Howard Webb, who has led the union since August 2022.