Pro Ref Confirms 'Error of Judgement' on Haaland's Derby Winner
Former-referees' body rules VAR erred in allowing Manchester City's winning goal against United; PGMOL under renewed scrutiny three matchweeks into the new Premier League season.
Pro Ref Confirms 'Error of Judgement' on Haaland's Derby Winner
Pro Ref has formally classified VAR's decision to allow Erling Haaland's winning goal in Sunday's Manchester derby as an "error of judgement," according to The Athletic. The ruling from the former-referees' body — separate from PGMOL itself — puts the match-officials body under renewed scrutiny three matchweeks into the new Premier League season.
Haaland's strike stood despite replays appearing to show Enzo Fernández in an offside position and making contact with the ball before it reached the City striker. The Athletic reported that Pro Ref, an organisation of retired top-flight referees, concluded the VAR intervention that confirmed the goal amounted to a miscarriage of process.
The decision capped a 199th Manchester derby already defined by officiating controversy. Two of the match's biggest calls — Foden's first-half red card for kicking out at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, and the Haaland goal itself — are now under formal review. The Athletic's refereeing columnist and former Premier League official Graham Scott has scheduled a Q&A on both calls, with reader submissions open through Monday.
United manager Michael Carrick now has one win in four Premier League games, deepening the questions facing his tenure. The result sharpens the 'familiar questions' about the United manager's start to the season in post-match analysis.
