VAR audio of Erling Haaland’s controversial Manchester derby winner released
In the Sunday Manchester derby, VAR officials failed to consider Enzo Fernandez’s offside interference when awarding Erling Haaland a goal that secured Manchester City’s win. Howard Webb, former Premier League referee, called the oversight a ‘tunnel vision’ error and announced a review, while the r…
The Premier League’s most recent Manchester derby ended with a controversial goal from Erling Haaland, but the decision to award the strike was called into question after VAR officials admitted they overlooked an offside infringement by Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez. The oversight has prompted criticism from former Premier League referee Howard Webb and a review of the decision by the refereeing body, Pro Ref.
What happened on the pitch
In a high‑stakes encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester City faced Manchester United in a match that saw the visitors win 2-1. Haaland’s second goal, which proved decisive, was scored after a quick counter‑attack that saw the Norwegian striker finish from close range. The ball was played into the box and Haaland, positioned just inside the six‑metre line, appeared to be onside. However, a defender from United, Lisandro Martinez, was pushed off balance by a near‑miss from Enzo Fernandez, who was standing in an offside position.
Fernandez’s attempt to touch the ball was not a direct contact, but the Premier League’s rules state that an offside player can impede the progress of a defender or goalkeeper. The referees on the field ruled Haaland onside and awarded the goal. The decision was upheld by the VAR team after a brief review that focused solely on Haaland’s position.
VAR’s failure to consider the full play
According to Howard Webb, who appeared on the Premier League’s Mic’d Up show, the VAR officials had what he described as “tunnel vision.” He said they were “super focused” on determining whether Haaland was onside, and in doing so they failed to assess Fernandez’s impact on the play. Webb added that the referees should have considered whether Fernandez’s offside position interfered with Martinez and goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Pro Ref, the governing body for referees, confirmed that an “error of judgement” had occurred. The officials admitted that they did not evaluate Fernandez’s role in the sequence, which meant the goal should have been disallowed. As a result, both the VAR official Matt Donohue and his assistant Blake Antrobush have been stood down from upcoming fixtures.
Reactions and next steps
Webb expressed disappointment, stating that the referees “take personal pride in what they do” and that they are “hurting” after the mistake. He announced that the referees will not officiate until after the international break. The Premier League has reached out to Manchester United, acknowledging the error and providing audio and footage of the incident to the club.
Pro Ref has pledged to review the situation to understand what elements of the process failed. The review will examine the decision‑making flow, the communication between on‑field and VAR officials, and whether additional training or procedural changes are needed to prevent similar oversights in the future.
Why this matters for the game
The incident highlights the importance of comprehensive VAR checks, especially in high‑profile matches where a single decision can alter the course of a season. It also underscores the growing scrutiny of refereeing standards and the need for transparency when errors occur.
Key takeaways
- Haaland’s goal was awarded after VAR focused only on his onside status, ignoring Enzo Fernandez’s offside interference.
- Howard Webb called the oversight a “tunnel vision” error and announced a review.
- Both VAR officials involved have been suspended from upcoming matches.
- Pro Ref will investigate the decision‑making process to prevent future mistakes.
- Manchester United has been provided with audio and footage of the incident.
FAQ
- What is the rule regarding offside interference? A player in an offside position can impede the progress of a defender or goalkeeper, even if they do not touch the ball.
- Will the goal be overturned? The Premier League is reviewing the decision; a reversal has not yet been announced.
- How long will the referees be suspended? They are suspended until after the international break, with no set end date.
- What steps are being taken to improve VAR accuracy? Pro Ref will review procedures and consider additional training for officials.
Why it matters
The incident raises concerns about VAR’s reliability in critical moments, potentially affecting the integrity of Premier League outcomes and the trust of fans and clubs alike.
Key points
- Haaland’s goal awarded despite offside interference by Enzo Fernandez
- VAR officials focused only on Haaland’s position, missing Fernandez’s impact
- Howard Webb labeled the oversight a ‘tunnel vision’ error
- Both VAR officials stood down until after the international break
- Pro Ref will review the decision‑making process
Frequently asked questions
What is the rule regarding offside interference?
A player in an offside position can impede the progress of a defender or goalkeeper, even if they do not touch the ball.
Will the goal be overturned?
The Premier League is reviewing the decision; a reversal has not yet been announced.
How long will the referees be suspended?
They are suspended until after the international break, with no set end date.
What steps are being taken to improve VAR accuracy?
Pro Ref will review procedures and consider additional training for officials.
