Referee body apologises to Manchester United after Haaland's derby winner
Pro Ref admits an “error of judgement” after VAR awarded Erling Haaland’s controversial winner against 10-man Manchester United in dramatic Manchester derby showdown
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Manchester United have received a formal acknowledgement from Premier League refereeing body Pro Ref after a disputed VAR decision gifted rivals Manchester City a dramatic derby victory at Old Trafford.
Erling Haaland grabbed the winner in the 60th minute, turning in Josko Gvardiol's cross at the back post. The goal was initially flagged for offside on the field, but video assistant referee intervention overturned the call, with Haaland ruled to have been onside by Patrick Dorgu's boot.
The sticking point was Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position and lunging at the ball in a more central area when Haaland converted.
Why Manchester derby referee Michael Oliver is barred from officiating two teams
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The question of whether Fernandez was interfering with play sparked immediate debate among pundits and supporters.
Despite the numerical advantage, United could not hold out, with Haaland's contentious effort ultimately proving the difference.
Defender Lisandro Martinez did not mince his words after the final whistle, describing the outcome as an "injustice." Manager Michael Carrick was equally blunt, saying he was "confused" by the officials' reasoning.
The decision landed particularly hard for United given the circumstances of the match.
City had been reduced to 10 men as early as the 23rd minute, when referee Michael Oliver showed Phil Foden a straight red card for kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes while Fernandes was on the turf.
Martin Moses (Sports editor)
Martin Moses is a sports journalist at TUKO.co.ke (joined 2024) with over eight years experience. He graduated at the Multimedia University of Kenya in 2021. He launched his career in media at MMU radio (2018- 2021). Martin also interviewed distinguished sports personalities while at Sports 360 (2020-2022). He joined Sports Brief in April 2022 before transitioning to TUKO.co.ke where he is now the Sports Editor. You can reach out: martin.moses@tuko.co.ke