Referees Apologize To Manchester United After Derby VAR Blunder

A Major Derby Blunder

The Premier League referees' body, Pro Ref, has apologized to Manchester United. They admitted that VAR made a mistake by allowing Erling Haaland's winning goal in Manchester City's 1-0 victory on Sunday. The controversial moment is already being seen as potentially the biggest VAR error since the technology was introduced in 2019.

The goal came in the 60th minute of the derby at Old Trafford. Haaland scored at the far post after meeting a deflected cross from Josko Gvardiol. The assistant referee immediately flagged for offside. However, VAR Matthew Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus overruled that decision. They decided that City midfielder Enzo Fernández was not active and was not interfering with play in the penalty area.

United Anger And Official Apology

The decision caused huge frustration for Manchester United. Manager Michael Carrick described the call as "worrying" after the match. Defender Lisandro Martínez, who actively challenged Fernández for the ball during the attack, called the decision an "injustice."

Pro Ref has now admitted they got it wrong. A spokesperson confirmed that while Fernández did not touch the ball, making the offside decision subjective, the VAR failed to recognize his impact on the play. The official should have recommended an on-field review. Pro Ref has contacted United to acknowledge the error of judgment, and a full review will now take place.

This result leaves Manchester City tied with Arsenal as the only two teams with maximum points from four league games. Manchester United are currently sitting in 13th place, having recorded just one win, one draw, and two defeats so far.