Premier League Referees Admit “Error of Judgement” Over Haaland Goal Against Man United

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has admitted an “error of judgement” in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) handling of Erling Haaland’s goal during Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The clarification concerns an incident in the 60th minute of Sunday’s fixture, after Haaland’s goal was awarded following a VAR review.

According to the refereeing body, the initial on-field decision was that Haaland was offside. However, VAR subsequently checked the incident and determined that the Manchester City striker was in an onside position.

PGMOL explained that the involvement of Enzo Fernández in the attacking sequence made the offside decision subjective because Fernández did not actually play the ball.

It said the VAR official failed to adequately recognise the likely impact of Fernández’s position on the play and should therefore have recommended an on-field review.

The refereeing body said in a statement:

“Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland’s awarded goal.”

It added that while Haaland was found to be onside, the VAR official should have referred the incident back to the referee for further assessment.

PGMOL further revealed that it had contacted Manchester United directly to acknowledge what it described as an “error of judgement.”

“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”

The admission is expected to fuel further discussion over the use of VAR and the subjective nature of offside decisions when another player potentially influences an opponent without making contact with the ball.

A formal review of the incident is now expected as football authorities continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the controversial decision.