Arabic version: هيئة التحكيم تعترف بخطأ في هدف هالاند الحاسم بالديربي

According to BBC News, Premier League refereeing body Pro Ref has acknowledged an “error of judgement” over the decision to award Erling Haaland’s Manchester City winner against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Haaland scored in the 60th minute from Josko Gvardiol’s cross, with the goal initially disallowed for offside before a video assistant referee review overturned the on-field call. VAR determined that Haaland was onside because of Patrick Dorgu’s boot.

However, debate centred on Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position and attempted a diving header in a central area but did not touch the ball. Pro Ref said Fernandez not playing the ball meant any offside offence was subjective, but added that VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.

Pro Ref said it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge what it considered an error of judgement and that the incident would be reviewed. United defender Lisandro Martinez called the outcome an “injustice”, while manager Michael Carrick said he was “confused” by the decision.

The decisive goal came after City had been reduced to 10 players when Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute for kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes. The incident was checked by VAR, which confirmed referee Michael Oliver’s on-field decision.