A controversial Video Assistant Referee decision to award Erling Haaland’s winning goal against Manchester United is set to dominate headlines.
In a feisty game between United and their rivals, VAR already had to check a red card awarded to Manchester City star Phil Foden.
The Englishman had lashed out and kicked Bruno Fernandes, leading the Premier League to put out a statement.
Later on, in the 59th minute of the game, Norwegian striker Erling Haaland got on the end of a cross, giving Manchester City the lead in the derby despite his side having ten men.
An assistant referee at Old Trafford raised his flag before VAR intervened to award the goal, leaving question marks as to why – Haaland looked comfortably offside.
The Premier League’s Match Centre account on X posted a statement after, reading, “VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded. The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball.”
It’s a remarkable decision. While Enzo Fernandez didn’t play the ball, the Argentine was clearly involved in play and led to the ball reaching Erling Haaland.
It remains to be seen whether the call from the Video Assistant Referee to call off the goal was the right one. The PL Match Centre has backed the decision, but this could be a case of the Premier League having to apologise for an incorrect decision once again.
#MUNMCI – 59’ VAR OVERTURN
VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded.
The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball. pic.twitter.com/TyTip3ACIh