Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 13
Pro Ref Admits VAR Error in Man City's 1-0 Winner Over Man United
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 13

Pro Ref Admits VAR Error in Man City's 1-0 Winner Over Man United

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 13

Summary

  • Hours after Manchester City's 1-0 win at Old Trafford, Pro Ref said VAR made an "error of judgment" and should have sent Erling Haaland's 60th-minute winner to an on-field review.
  • The goal had first been ruled out for offside, then awarded when VAR judged Haaland onside via Patrick Dorgu, but Pro Ref said it failed to account for Enzo Fernandez's offside movement affecting Lisandro Martinez.
  • Under the offside law, Fernandez did not need to touch the ball to commit an offence if his attempt to play it impacted an opponent, meaning the goal should have remained disallowed.
  • Pro Ref said it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge the mistake and would review the incident, while pundits including Micah Richards and Roy Keane said Fernandez was clearly interfering with play.

Insights

Could this staggering Manchester Derby error finally force a complete overhaul of how VAR handles subjective decisions?
Beyond the apology, what hidden technological limits did this Old Trafford refereeing disaster expose to the football world?