Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images
The controversy from the Manchester Derby has become a worldwide sporting topic.
The fallout Manchester United’s defeat to Manchester City has become a major embarrassment for the Premier League.
Manchester City’s clearly offside goal was permitted by VAR, with Manchester United already receiving an apology from the referee’s governing body.
An apology quite clearly changes nothing for United, the damage is done.
And there is also damage done to the Premier League’s reputation. There are already calls for change at the top of Pro Ref, formerly PGMO.
The way the incident has been reported across the world has highlighted how embarrassing the incident has been.
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Manchester Derby offside mistake
Manchester United were the victims of the VAR error, which has led the headlines over the past weekend of sport.
Spanish newspaper AS reported the incident: “VAR is once again at the centre of controversy. This time, in the Premier League. While it’s not the first time a refereeing controversy has ignited English football, the fact that it’s not new doesn’t make it any less worrying.”
Marca also reported on the huge reaction to the controversy: “The outcry was enormous.
“And nothing less could have been expected given the overall situation: a decisive goal that was clearly offside but was allowed, the context (a derby), and the team wronged… a giant like Manchester United.”
Sky Italy wrote: “Sensational development in England: Pro Ref, the organization that manages referees, has admitted that Haaland’s goal in the recent Manchester derby should have been disallowed.”
Over in the US, NBC Sports was critical of the officiating: “A controversial VAR call was at the center of Manchester City’s derby win at Old Trafford on Sunday. They are right. VAR got it badly wrong.
“United are correct to feel aggrieved by this decision and the decision making process by VAR has to be questioned and investigated now an error has been admitted.”
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Manchester United pay the real cost
The Premier League’s reputation has been damaged by the incident – but this will wash over by the next weekend.
It is Manchester United who pay the real cost, with one point lost from the decision.
Michael Carrick felt the goal changed the course of the game with United on top, arguing that it cost all three points.
The three points gained will be valuable to City, and they could prove costly to United too.
If the Red Devils lose out on Champions League football by a single point, supporters will not forget the ineptitude that led to it.