Referees body admits error of judgement over Erling Haaland derby winner – BBC Sport
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Refereeing body admits judgement error over Haaland derby winner
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Figure caption: Haaland scores controversial winner as Man City win derby despite Foden red.
By Jess Anderson, BBC Sport journalist
Published 13 September 2026, 17:31 BST | Updated 3 minutes ago
The Premier League refereeing body, Pro Ref, has admitted an error of judgement in awarding Erling Haaland’s Manchester City winner against Manchester United.
As City celebrated a remarkable derby victory, questions arose about the validity of Haaland’s winning goal amid match controversy.
The striker scored in the 60th minute at Old Trafford, turning home from Josko Gvardiol’s cross before it was initially disallowed for offside on the field.
Following VAR intervention, the goal was awarded as Haaland was ruled to have been played onside by Patrick Dorgu’s boot. However, there was debate over whether Enzo Fernandez, diving at the ball, interfered with play and potentially influenced the decision.
In a statement, Pro Ref acknowledged:
"It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball… [but] the VAR did not recognize the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review."
They further confirmed contact had been made with Manchester United to acknowledge what they deemed "an error of judgement", promising a review of the incident.
United defender Lisandro Martinez described the decision as an "injustice," while manager Michael Carrick expressed confusion. The goal came after City were reduced to 10 men in the first half when Phil Foden was sent off for kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes.
